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Laughter is the Best Medicine

Laughter is long been considered a great medicine to cure many ills. Stay with us we are working on bringing you some powerful healing medicine. If you have a funny story, one which can be appreciated by everyone, please send it on into us and we will publish it. Click here to laugh.

Quotes About Health

There are wise people all around us. People who understand the world, understand life. We can learn from them. We can be enlightened by them. They can help us to heal ourselves. To enliven yourself and spirit, click here.

5 Surprising Summer Allergies

Memorial day is the unofficial start of summer and avoiding a few nasty
surprises can help you breathe easily during the next few months. The
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology is calling attention
to five asthma and allergy triggers that can derail your fun this
summer.

Eating Fruits and Vegetables Might Help Smokers Quit

Move over patches and gums - fruits and vegetables may help smokers quit
the habit. For the study, published in the June 5 issue of Nicotine and
Tobacco Research, researchers looked at 1,000 adult smokers aged 25 and
older and surveyed them on their smoking and eating habits. Then the
smokers were called 14 months later to find out how much they had smoked
in the past month.

Sugars We Should Avoid?

Rats fed fructose-laced drinking water for six weeks performed more
slowly in a maze-navigating task, UCLA researchers have found. They
think the effect is due to changes in the way the brain responds to
insulin as a result of exposure to fructose.

To read the full article Fructose Makes Rats Dumber. What Sugars Should We Avoid?, click here.

Coffee Drinkers Live Longe

Results of a 14-year study conclude that coffee-drinkers live longer
than people who don't partake. Jeff Glor and Rebecca Jarvis spoke with
author Robert Davis, Ph.D. for more.

Sleep Apnea Treatment May Prevent Hypertension

Sleep apnea may prove to be a treatable cause of high blood pressure,
according to research released today that suggests wearing a special
breathing mask at night may protect apnea patients from the
hypertension.

To read the full article Sleep Apnea Treatment May Prevent Hypertension, click here.

Sleep Apnea Tied to Increased Cancer Risk

Two new studies have found that people with sleep apnea, a common
disorder that causes snoring, fatigue and dangerous pauses in breathing
at night, have a higher risk of cancer.

Gluten Allergy - Earlier Menopause

Gluten Allergy Linked to Earlier Menopause

Study finds estrogen levels are generally lower in women with celiac
disease. Women with untreated celiac disease may hit menopause earlier,
and have a higher risk of some pregnancy complications, than women
without the disease, suggests a small study.

IUDs Officially Recommended

IUDs Officially Recommended for Healthy Women, Teens

New guidelines say research shows this form of birth control is safe and effective

A
female contraceptive device whose reported side effects kept it off the
frontline of birth control for years has been formally endorsed for all
healthy adult women and adolescents by the American College of
Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

About Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a serious medical problem that affects a significant
number of both women and men. Both woman and men can develop
osteoporosis, and therefore both must take positive actions to first
prevent and then, if and when osteoporosis does occur, to reverse it.
One of the main problems in doing this is finding the exact right
information to help them personally.

There are 6 articles in theis series. In order to read the entire series of articles we suggest that you start with the first article in this series, About Osteoprosis, click here.

Leg Cramps: A Holistic Remedies and Self Care Approach

Since there is no single accepted standard medical treatment for
nocturnal leg cramps a holistic approach may be of value for you.

If you have recurrent leg cramps it might well help to do some or all of the following:

Vitamin Industry Fraud

Article by Noata Hashimoto, D.C.

From snake oil to mainstream, the vitamin-mineral and herbal supplement industry is here to stay. For most lay people it can be difficult to determine what exactly you need and from which source when there are thousands of companies to choose from.

Praying for Health

Most of us have been taught that prayer can help us get what we most
desire. New studies are now suggesting that it can also help us solve
certain medical problems. One of the problems is high blood pressure and
it seems that prayer may be a great help in controlling blood pressure
and even lowering it when its high. The following video tells us more
about this.

Is Your Brain Aging

This Is Your Brain. Aging.
Science is reshaping what we know about getting older. (The news is better than you think.)

Over the years, Timothy Salthouse has tested more than 8,000 people in his lab at the University of Virginia, assessing their memories, problem-solving skills, and other mental functions to see how the brain fares with age.

Medicine Prevents Bleeding

Cheap Injection Could Stop Thousands Of People Dying Of Severe Bleeding From Accidents, Injuries

Results from an international trial involving over 20,000 participants in 40 countries suggest that if recently injured patients with serious bleeding were to be given an injection of a cheap, widely available drug

Know your genetic code

Americans want to know the details of their genetic codes

With all the nonstop news we hear about genetic medicine—a gene discovered here! a new genetic test developed there!—it's easy to forget that our intro to this mesmerizing field of medicine happened only very recently.

Teen Pregnancy Rate

A growing number of teen girls say they use the rhythm method for birth control, and more teens also think it's OK for an unmarried female to have a baby, according to a government survey released Wednesday.

Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice -- it's been a staple of some Asian countries for more
than 1,000 years. As food coloring, it gives Peking Duck its signature
red glow. And as herbal medicine, it lowers cholesterol levels.

Coffee Aroma Reduces Stress

Wake up and smell the coffee – it could reduce the stress that comes from not getting enough sleep.

New
research shows you don’t have to drink coffee to feel its effects –
just smelling it can jump-start genes in the brain. When they
experimented on lab rats, an international group of scientists found
inhaling the aroma of coffee changes the activity of genes in the brain
in a way that helps reduce the stress of sleep deprivation.

Doctors Not Telling Women About Plan B

For Happiness, Seek Family, Not Fortune

Study Shows Family Relationships Bring Greater Happiness Than High Income

Money might buy happiness for some, but for most people having strong family ties is a much bigger predictor of contentment than income, a new study shows.

When researchers analyzed data tracking married people over a decade, they found that while income did contribute to happiness up to a point, the quality of family relationships was much more important.

Save Thousands On Your Health Care

After a car accident left Michelle Katz, a Washington, D.C., nursing student, with persistent back pain and numbness in 1998, she consulted a neurosurgeon, who told her she'd need an operation to repair her slipped disk. Katz, then 26, didn't have health insurance, so she did the only thing she could think of: She negotiated.

Why Nice Guys Finish Last

New Research Points to Biological Reason Why Girls Like Bad Boys

Ricky Menezes, a 22-year-old from Marlborough, Mass., says he knows he will hook up with "about 20 girls" in the next month. How does he know this, you ask? Ricky knows this because he's what we call a "bad boy" -- the type of guy who knows exactly how to act, what to say and how to manipulate women into giving him what he wants.

Study: Hypoglycemia raises diabetics' heart risk

Study: Hypoglycemia raises diabetics' heart risk

A recent event of hypoglycemia, or extremely low blood sugar, in type 2 diabetics was a major predictor of heart attack, stroke and death, a just-finished study by the Department of Veterans Affairs found.

How To Handle Embarrassing Body Problems

From Hiccups To An Overactive Bladder, Experts Offer Advice For Managing Your Body's

As anyone who's ever had an embarrassing personal moment can tell you - sometimes your body just has a mind of its own.

From expelling gas, a case of the hiccups, an overactive bladder, and a belch you just can't swallow, to ill-timed yawns, cotton mouth, excessive sweating ... well, you get it. Any and all can easily occur just at the times when you want to look (and feel) your best.

The Fear of Osteoporosis

Steps You Can Take to Limit Brittle Bones

I don't think there is anything more feared among the elderly than becoming totally dependent on others for help and perhaps being sent to a nursing home because they aren't able to care for themselves.

Chinese Supplement Cuts Heart Risk

When 61-year-old Mark Aloe learned that he had high cholesterol and a family history of heart disease nearly 20 years ago, he immediately set out on the standard course of , for heart patients with high cholesterol: He began taking a prescription statin.

Stretch Marks, an Unblessed Event

Come down with some kind of aesthetic malaise — a
dark patch or a receding hairline — and invariably someone will profess
to have the magic cure. So it is with stretch marks, the road map of
pregnancy, the telltale signs carved into about 90 percent of pregnant
women’s abdomens, derrieres, breasts and thighs. Market research firms
like the NPD Group, Information Resources and Mintel don’t track the
size of the skin-care market for pregnant women.

NSAIDs and Alzheimer

NSAIDs and Alzheimer’s: They All Reduce the Risk

Many
doctors believe ibuprofen is better than other NSAID pain relievers at
reducing a person’s risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. But a new
study challenges that assumption.

Cocoa For Diabetes?

Compounds In Cocoa Could Help Ward Off Heart Complications, Study Shows

A cup of hot cocoa may seem like a no-no for people with diabetes, but the beverage may actually serve up a healthy dose of prevention and ward off heart disease, the leading cause of diabetes-related death.

Have Summer Fun Without Getting Hurt

Sports Medicine Expert Looks At Biking, Running, Tennis, And Camp

Summer is the ideal time to have plenty of outdoor fun -- but you need to be smart about recreational sports to avoid injury.

There are, says Columbia University orthopedic surgeon and sports injury specialist Dr. Christopher Ahmad, right and wrong ways to go about things when biking, running, playing tennis, and at summer camp. There are, he says, easy ways to prevent serious problems.

You Call That Health Food?

Just Because the Label Says It's Good for You Doesn't Mean It Is. How to Read Beyond the Marketing Hype

Take a moment and consider this logic: 1. Fat-free foods are healthy. 2. Skittles are fat-free. 3. Therefore, Skittles are healthy. Make sense? Of course not. But it's exactly the type of reasoning that food manufacturers want you to use.

Learning to Fight Chronic Nightmares

Everyone has nightmares -- everyone, that is, except Ross Levin. "I actually have very few nightmares," he said.

Maybe that's because Levin is a psychologist who spends most of his time studying terrifying dreams. He says he's figured out what seems to be a shockingly simple method for fighting chronic nightmares, the kind that haunt Rachel Smalls.

The battle isn't over for kids who survive cancer

Many will suffer at least one additional ailment, researchers say

Many young adults who survived a childhood malignancy will have at least one severe health problem, according to a report presented here Tuesday at a media briefing of the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Survivors of pediatric malignancies are known to have a higher risk of long-term illness, but most studies examining this topic have had incomplete follow-up, used a small study group, or have focused on just one late effect, senior author Dr. Huib N. Caron and colleagues note in the report, which appears in a special June 26 issue of JAMA focusing on chronic diseases of children.

Study on I.Q. Prompts Debate on Family Dynamics

The new evidence that eldest children develop higher I.Q.’s than their siblings has intensified the debate over two of the most stubborn questions in social science: What are the family dynamics that enhance intelligence? And can they — and should they — be changed?

The new findings, from a landmark study published Friday, showed that eldest children had a slight but significant edge in I.Q. — an average of three points over the closest sibling. And it found that the difference was not because of biological factors but the psychological interplay of parents and children.

Whole Grains Fight Hardening of the Arteries

Eating plenty of whole grains can help keep your arteries healthy, potentially warding off heart disease and stroke, a new study shows.

In a diverse group of men and women participating in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study, those with diets containing the largest amounts of whole grains had the thinnest carotid artery walls and showed the slowest progression in artery wall thickness over a five-year period, lead author Dr. Philip B. Mellen of Wake Forest University School of Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and colleagues found.

Portion Control Dishes Aid Weight Loss: Study

Commercially available portion control plates and bowls can help obese individuals with type 2 diabetes lose weight and reduce their need for blood sugar-controlling medications, according to a Canadian study published today.

Most cases of type 2 diabetes are directly related to obesity, note investigators, and the obesity epidemic is paralleled by increasing portion sizes in the marketplace.

Got a Lot of Vices? Try Tackling Them All at Once

Success more likely when bad habits are changed at same time, study says

People who simultaneously attempt to stop smoking, reduce their sodium intake and increase exercise may be more successful than those who try to change these lifestyle factors one at a time, Texas-based researchers report.

Dr. David J. Hyman, of Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, and colleagues came to this conclusion after studying success rates in a publicly funded behavior modification program. The 289 participants were between 45 and 64 years old and two-thirds were women. All were African American, smokers and had high blood pressure.

U.S. Survey Tracks Sex Behavior, Illegal Drug Use

It's a question that often prompts a boastful answer or a bashful one: How many sex partners have you had?

Now the federal government says it has authoritative statistics, documenting that men are far more likely to play the field than women.

A new nationwide survey, using high-tech methods to solicit candid answers on sexual activity and illegal drug use, finds that 29 percent of American men report having 15 or more female sexual partners in a lifetime, while only 9 percent of women report having sex with 15 or more men.

Sugar's Dark Side

Study Shows Fructose May Increase Heart Risk Factors

Cane sugar has a dark side, a provocative new study shows.

The sweetener we call sugar is actually a double sugar. Half is the sugar called glucose, the body's most basic fuel. The other half is another sugar called fructose. Researchers have suspected that fructose is a bad actor, but the evidence so far has been circumstantial.

Drug-Resistant Bug Becoming More Common

Hospitals See Rise in Drug-Resistant Staph

Fifty-six-year-old Sandi Sampson dusted herself off after falling in her backyard. Her ankle hurt, but she thought the pain would go away on its own.

As days passed, however, she realized that she wouldn't be able to just shrug this one off. Sampson went to see her doctor, who recommended surgery to replace her ankle. She woke up from the operation believing everything was fine, but the months that followed would prove otherwise.

MRSA infections are being seen much more commonly in the medical office. While hospitals are a large part of the problems, one does not have to be hospitalized to be at risk. Any infection that does not respond to simple measures of washing the wound, using hydrogen peroxide and topical antibiotic creams or ointments should be considered suspect and you should see your doctor.

Mid-Life Stroke Hits Women Harder Than Men

Ladies, forget the mid-life crisis. Researchers find you should be more worried about having a mid-life stroke. Their results show women between ages 45 and 54 are more than twice as likely as men of the same age to have a stroke.

The investigators aren't sure what's causing this disparity between the sexes but suggest it could be related to increased waist size and coronary artery disease among women in this age group.

"While our analysis shows increased waist size and coronary artery disease are predictors of stroke among women aged 45 to 54, it is not immediately clear why there is a sex disparity in stroke rates among this age group," study author Amytis Towfighi, M.D., from the University of California at Los Angeles, was quoted as saying. Blood pressure and cholesterol levels also rose at higher rates in women as they got older, and could be playing a role as well.

HRT may prevent heart symptoms in younger women

Younger women who start taking estrogen as soon as they enter menopause may be protected from heart disease, researchers said on Wednesday.

They found that women aged 50 to 59 who took estrogen were 30 percent to 40 percent less likely than women taking placebos to have large amounts of calcified plaque in their arteries -- a widely accepted predictor of heart attack risk.

When women took their estrogen religiously, the risk was 60 percent lower, they reported in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Boosting Brain Power in Older Adults

Just like lifting weights makes your muscles stronger, working out your brain improves thinking and concentration.

Researchers from Wake Forest University reported results from the first 23 patients in their Brain Fitness in Older Adults study. The "brain training" in the study consisted of either a one-on-one mental fitness program or a group brain exercise program.

In the one-on-one sessions, people (ages 65 to 75) were asked to ignore distracting information. Tasks got harder as the training progressed. In group sessions, patients learned new information relevant to healthy aging and were tested on their ability to apply the new information. Researchers employed functional MRI (fMRI) to visualize blood flow and brain activity to assess how attention training affects brain function. All participants got an fMRI scan while they completed a task that required them to look for target words or numbers while ignoring distracting sounds.

Shockwave therapy safe, effective for knee injury

In the treatment of chronic pain and tenderness around the knee cap, or "patella," shockwave therapy seems to be safer and more effective, with lower recurrence rates, than conventional conservative treatments, suggest the results of a new study.

Conservative treatments are recommended for this chronic overuse syndrome, also referred to as patellar tendinopathy, lead author Dr. Ching-Jen Wang told Reuters Health. "However, the recurrent symptoms are high."

Most asthma patients have uncontrolled disease

In a recent U.S. survey of asthma patients, more than half reported that their disease is uncontrolled and that they have never received an asthma action plan, according to a report in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The emphasis of a new draft of U.S. asthma guidelines is better physician and patient education, with a focus on asthma control at each asthma clinic visit, Dr. Stephen P. Peters from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina told Reuters Health. In this effort, physicians need "to partner with patients."

Stressed-out types at risk for memory problems

People who are often stressed out or depressed are far more likely to develop memory problems than those with sunnier dispositions, U.S. researchers said on Monday in a finding that sheds light on early predictors of Alzheimer's disease.

They said those who most often are anxious or depressed were 40 times more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment, a form of memory loss that is often a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.

"Not only are these individuals losing cognition, but they are showing many of the changes in the brain that are associated with Alzheimer's disease," said Robert Wilson of Rush University Medical Center in Chicago.

To read the full story Stressed-out types at risk for memory problems, click here.

Promising Tests For Alzheimer's Patients

Drug To "Feed" Brain Cells Among Experimental Drugs For Alzheimer's Set For Large-Scale Testing

Drinking a milkshake-style medicine at breakfast seems to feed brain cells starved from Alzheimer's damage, researchers reported Monday. It is one of four promising experimental drugs poised for large-scale testing against the brain-destroying disease.

The milkshake drug, called Ketasyn, is a dramatically different way to approach dementia. It hinges on recent research suggesting diabetic-like changes in brain cells' ability to use sugar for energy play a role in at least some forms of Alzheimer's.

Sunscreens May Improve, but Shade Kids

Sunscreens May Get Better, but Parents Should Limit Child's Exposure Anyway

Shade your kids. Strong new evidence suggests overall sun exposure in childhood, not just burns, is a big key to who later develops deadly skin cancer. The news comes as the government is finishing long-awaited rules to improve sunscreens.

The Food and Drug Administration wants sunscreens to be rated not just for how well they block the ultraviolet-B rays that cause sunburn today's SPF rankings but for how well they protect against deeper-penetrating ultraviolet-A rays that are linked to cancer and wrinkles.

To Avoid Arthritis, Start When Young

Expert: Taking Care Of Yourself In Your 40s And Earlier Can Forestall Problems Later

Osteoarthritis is a pain in our joints that we'll all get sooner or later, if we live long enough.

But, says one expert, you can delay it a long time if you take care of yourself, especially when you're young.

Osteoarthritis is something people should think about preventing, or at least delaying, when they're still in their 30's and 40's, or even younger, according to Dr. Jason Theodosakis (also known simply as Dr. Theo!), a specialist in sports and preventive medicine, and an assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Celiac Disease Clue Found

Gene Study Traces Ailment To A Defective Immune Signal

Gene studies link celiac disease to a defective immune signal.

Celiac disease is a digestive disease sometimes called celiac sprue or gluten-sensitive enteropathy. When a person with celiac disease eats wheat or other foods containing gluten, damage to the small intestine results.

It's clear that the disease can be inherited. But it's been hard to identify genetic risk factors.

Your guide to fibroid fixes

Cece Clark's fibroids had gotten so bad that she often had to lie down in the middle of the day. When she got up, it was usually for another trip to the bathroom. "My periods were astoundingly heavy, and pressure on my bladder made me feel like I had to go all the time," she recalls. But after she tried an uncommon ultrasound treatment, everything changed. "The pressure lessened right away," she says. "It was such a physical and emotional relief."

Clark, 50, of Boston is among the roughly 30 to 70 percent of American women between 35 and 50 who have fibroids, or benign uterine tumors. The rate is even higher for African-Americans. Half of these women experience symptoms such as Clark's: heavy or prolonged periods, pressure in the lower abdomen, and a frequent need to urinate. For some, sex is painful.

Body, Heal Thyself

Experts Say A Dose Of The Body's Own Platelets Can Speed Recovery From Injuries

Jonathan Bornstein has emerged as one of the best young soccer players in the country; he was named rookie of the year in Major League Soccer. But everything changed this spring when he twisted his knee in practice.

"I knew something was wrong, and I knew that I was going to have to take some time to heal," Bornstein says.

Bornstein had suffered a torn ligament in his knee. He would be out of action for six to 10 weeks, CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook reports.

Low Testosterone Could Kill You

Low Levels of Male Hormone May be More Dangerous Than Previously Thought

Low testosterone may lead to a greater risk of death, according to a study presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the Endocrine Society in Toronto.

Men with low testosterone had a 33 percent greater death risk over their next 18 years of life compared with men who had higher testosterone, according to the study conducted by Dr. Elizabeth Barrett-Connor and colleagues at the University of California at San Diego.

Omega-3 fatty acids reduce blood pressure

A diet with liberal servings of fish, nuts and seeds rich in nutrients called omega-3 fatty acids can help lower a person's blood pressure, according to a study released on Monday.

"A large percentage of people between ages 20 and 60 have a rise in blood pressure, and by middle age many have high blood pressure," said Dr. Jeremiah Stamler, professor emeritus of preventive medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, who worked on the study.

New treatment for depression

People who are looking to ease depression may have a new treatment option

Kids rolling into the ER on popular sneakers

Trendy wheeled sneakers that let kids zip down sidewalks, across playgrounds and through mall crowds could also send them rolling into emergency rooms on a stretcher, say doctors who blame a rash of injuries on the international craze.

It's called "heeling," named after Heelys, the most popular brand. They're sold in 70 countries and are so hot that their Carrollton, Texas, maker, Heelys Inc., recently landed atop BusinessWeek's annual list of fastest growing companies.

But doctors from Ireland to Singapore have reported treating broken wrists, arms and ankles; dislocated elbows and even cracked skulls in children injured while wearing roller shoes.

Skin Condition IDs Type 2 Diabetes

Researchers Say People With Acanthosis Nigricans Are At High Risk For The Disease

People with the skin condition acanthosis nigricans are at high risk of type 2 diabetes, researchers find.

People with acanthosis nigricans have velvety, brown to black patches of skin on the back of the neck, the armpit, and elbows, and/or the knees. The condition is most common in obese people and in those whose bodies overproduce insulin. Those are two risk factors for diabetes. So does acanthosis nigricans predict diabetes?

Acanthosis Nigricans

Acanthosis nigricans is a skin disorder characterized by dark, thick, velvety skin in or around body folds and creases. A dark discoloration of the skin most commonly in the area of the neck, groin, arm pits, elbows and in front of the knees. It is most common among people of African descent.It is frequently found in people with diabetes.

What Causes Acanthosis Nigricans?

Acanthosis nigricans can affect otherwise healthy people, or it can be associated with medical problems. Obesity can lead to acanthosis nigricans, as can many endocrine disorders. Acanthosis nigricans can be caused by eating too much of the wrong foods, especially starches and sugars, as this can cause insulin resistance which then results an excessive production insulin and then a an elevated levels of circulating insulin. Often this occurs secondary to obesity which causes insulin insensitivity.

The most common cause of acanthosis nigricans is insulin resistance, which occurs during type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Some drugs, particularly hormones such as human growth hormone or oral contraceptives ("the pill") can cause acanthosis nigricans. There are however, other causes. It can be familial (genetic), drug-induced, or secondary to a malignancy, lymphoma and particularly cancers of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts . It can be idiopathic, that is, it may have no recognizable cause and frequently found in women who suffer from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Signs and Tests

Acanthosis nigricans usually diagnosed simply by looking at a the skin. It is recognized as a drk plaque-like discoloration of the skin. A skin biopsy may be needed in unusual cases. If no clear cause of acanthosis nigricans is obvious, it may be necessary to search for one. Blood tests, and endoscopy, or x-rays may be required to eliminate the possibility of diabetes or cancer as its cause.

Treatment

Retin-A, 20% urea, alpha hydroxyacids, and lactic or salicylic acid prescriptions are often prescribed by medical doctors. Everyone with acanthosis nigricans should be screened for diabetes and, although rare, cancer. Controlling blood glucose levels through exercise and diet often improves symptoms.

Prognosis

Acanthosis nigricans often fades if the cause can be found and treated.

How To Keep The Spark In Your Marriage

With the divorce rate hovering right around fifty percent, the task of keeping the spark in marriage alive until your golden anniversary can be a challenge. Couples who are in loving marriages will tell you that it takes a lot of love, respect and work to maintain the spark in marriage. Many of these couples have also indicated that they are friends first and that is what gets them through the hard times.

One of the things that couples in long-term relationships say is the hardest to maintain is the spark in marriage that keeps them connected as a couple. Marriage usually starts out exciting, full of promise and the desire to be together. As time progresses, couples find that real life encroaches on their marriage along with all of its stressors and difficulties. Successful couples will tell you that there is little you can do to maintain the same dream state you had when you were first married - and who would want to? There truly are things that you can do to keep the spark in marriage alive and to help rekindle the flames from time to time.

High-carb diet linked to higher blood pressure

Carbohydrate-rich diets are associated with slightly higher blood pressure than diets rich in monounsaturated fats, according to the findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

However, the difference is not enough to justify making recommendations to change the carbohydrate and monounsaturated fat content of the diets to control blood pressure, Dr. Meena Shah and colleagues from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, report

The researchers conducted a review of 10 published studies, also referred to as a "meta-analysis," that compared high-carbohydrate and high-monounsaturated fat diets to better understand their effects on blood pressure.

The results of the authors' mathematical model revealed that the carbohydrate-rich diets led to a significantly higher blood pressure compared with the diets rich in monounsaturated fat.

Study spots gaps in Americans' diet and health IQ

Ninety percent of Americans say breakfast is an important part of a healthy diet, but just 49 percent manage to eat breakfast every day, a new survey shows.

And only 11 percent know the amount of calories they should consume daily to maintain a healthy weight, according to the International Food Information Council (IFIC) Foundation's second annual Food & Health Survey. "The only good thing is more people tried to guess than last year," Susan Borra, the president of the Washington, DC-based IFIC Foundation, told Reuters Health.

IFIC commissioned a survey of 1,000 US adults, this March to better understand people's beliefs and behaviors regarding healthy eating. The survey identified a number of "diet disconnects" between what people intend to do and their actual habits, according to Borra and her team.

When Health Coverage Doesn't Hold Up

As more Americans are unable to get health insurance through their work, they often turn to the individual insurance market. Last night we told you how difficult it can be to get individual insurance, with companies turning down people with the most minor of medical problems. CBS News chief investigative correspondent Armen Keteyian takes a closer look at what happens when some people who actually have individual insurance try to collect on an expensive claim.

Herb enthusiasts often don't follow indications

Roughly half of adults who use herbal supplements do not use them in accordance with "evidence-based" indications, U.S. researchers report.

The findings, which appear in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings for May, stem from more than 30,000 adults who were surveyed regarding their use of herbs.

The six herbs studied and their evidence-based indications were: echinacea for upper respiratory tract infection, garlic for high cholesterol, ginseng for mental performance/diabetes, St. John's wort for depression, soy for high cholesterol/hot flashes, and kava-kava for anxiety.

Overall, 55 percent of subjects used herbs for their appropriate evidence-based indications, results showed. However, for most of the herbs, evidence-based usage rates hovered around 32 percent.

The exceptions were ginseng, with an evidence-based usage rate of just 3.8 percent, and echinacea, by far the most popular herb, with a rate of 68 percent.

Women were more likely than men to use herbs according to their evidence-based indication, as were college-educated individuals. Conversely, people younger than age 60 and black persons were more apt to herbs for things outside their evidence-based indications.

Have You Been Over-Served?

Think You Drink In Moderation? You May Be Imbibing More Than You Know

It's party time for many people this weekend, and the beer (or margaritas or white wine) will be flowing. But when does drinking that's social and celebratory become an alcoholic "binge"? And could you "accidentally" binge if your host pours with a heavy hand?

An alcoholic binge, according to Dr. Mallika Marshall, is usually defined as four drinks for a woman and five drinks for a man over a two-hour timeframe. And a "drink" is considered to be five ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, or 1.5 ounces of a liquor.

But if you're at a restaurant where the drinks come in foot-tall glasses, or the beer is poured from a never-ending pitcher, it's difficult to keep track of how much you've downed, something to consider if you're driving after having "just one" drink.

Research to Ease Breath-Robbing Disease

HEALTHBEAT: Poke Holes in a Lung? Research Aims to Ease Breath-Robbing Disease

Poking holes in a lung is usually a bad idea. But dozens of people suffocating from a disease that traps stale air in their lungs are volunteering to try it. The idea: Spark a slow leak in lungs so overinflated that there's not enough room left to take a deep breath, and do so without open surgery.

It's called airway bypass, one of a trio of innovative experiments including squirting a kind of glue into the lungs designed not to cure the lung destroyer that is the nation's No. 4 killer, but to ease breathing during its victims' last years.

Depo-Provera

Depo-Provera Information and Consent

Depo-Provera contraceptive injections are an excellent method for controlling your ability to become pregnant. Statistics suggest that it is typically reliable 99.0% and 99.7% of the time. This compares favorably to birth control pills which are at best 97-98% reliable in protecting against pregnancy.

While Depo-Provera is an excellent method, it is not right for everybody. There are some side effects and drawbacks that should be known prior to starting a Depo-Provera treatment program.

Contraindications (Medical problems or conditions where Depo-Provera should not be used)

If you are pregnant or it is suspected that you might be pregnant.

If you are having vaginal bleeding and no specific cause has been found.

If you have a breast lump or cancer of the breast is suspected.

Where you have thrombophlebitis, (an inflamation of a vein with possible blood clotting problems), or history of thromboembolic disorders (blood clots to the lung or other parts of the body) or history of a stroke.

If you have liver problems or damage to your liver, such as from hepatitis or cirrhosis.

If you are allergic to Depo-Provera or any of its ingredients.

Relative Contraindications:

Someone in your immediate family has a history of breast cancer.

An abnormal mammogram (x-ray of the breasts), fibrocystic diseases of the breasts, breast lumps, or bleeding from your nipples.

History of kidney disease or kidney problems.

Irregular, scanty or no menstrual periods.

High blood pressure

Migraine headaches

Asthma

Epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.

Diabetes mellitus or history of diabetes mellitus in your immediate family.

A history of depression or recurrent depression.

If you are taking medications which cause an adverse effect in combination with Depo-Provera.

About Depo-Provera:

Depo-Provera contraceptive injections are an excellent method for controlling your ability to become pregnant. Statistics suggest that it is typically reliable 99.0% and 99.7% of the time. This compares favorably to birth control pills which are at best 97-98% reliable in protecting against pregnancy.

While Depo-Provera is an excellent method, it is not right for everybody. There are some side effects and drawbacks that should be known prior to starting a Depo-Provera treatment program.

Contraindications (Medical problems or conditions where Depo-Provera should not be used):

If you are pregnant or it is suspected that you might be pregnant.

If you are having vaginal bleeding and no specific cause has been found.

If you have a breast lump or cancer of the breast is suspected.

Where you have thrombophlebitis, (an inflamation of a vein with possible blood clotting problems), or history of thromboembolic disorders (blood clots to the lung or other parts of the body) or history of a stroke.

If you have liver problems or damage to your liver, such as from hepatitis or cirrhosis.

If you are allergic to Depo-Provera or any of its ingredients.

Relative Contraindications:

Someone in your immediate family has a history of breast cancer.

An abnormal mammogram (x-ray of the breasts), fibrocystic diseases of the breasts, breast lumps, or bleeding from your nipples.

History of kidney disease or kidney problems.

Irregular, scanty or no menstrual periods.

High blood pressure

Migraine headaches

Asthma

Epilepsy or other convulsive disorders.

Diabetes mellitus or history of diabetes mellitus in your immediate family.

A history of depression or recurrent depression.

If you are taking medications which cause an adverse effect in combination with Depo-Provera.

About Depo-Provera:

A single injection of Depo-Provera will last 3 months (12 weeks). This means to have absolutely affective protection against pregnancy you should have an injection every 3 months as long as you want to be using this method.

A backup method should be used for protection (condoms or foam) for the first two weeks.

Fertility may take between 5 and 18 months to return. If you should choose to get pregnant, it there could be a 1 to 2 years delay until pregnancy may occur.

Some women experience irregular bleeding while using Depo-Provera. This can be either heavy or lite bleeding both occur. This is most common in the first month of use and decreases the longer Depo-Provera is used.

At least 50% of all women using Depo-Provera will have no menstrual periods for as long as one year after discontinuing Depo-Provera.

Headaches, bloating of the abdomen, swelling of the breasts, mood changes, depression and weight gain can occur.

Depo-Provera does not protect the user against venereal disease (STD's) or HIV/AIDS. To protect against STD or HIV/AIDS abstinence is best. Use of condoms may be helpful.

Consent:

_________I know that there are many kinds of birth control methods I could choose from including Natural Family Planning, male and female condoms, spermicides, vaginal film, diaphragm, with or without creams or jelly, cervical cap, birth control implants, birth control pills, IUD, and sterilization for men and women.

_________I know that there are many kinds of birth control methods I could choose from including Natural Family Planning, male and female condoms, spermicides, vaginal film, diaphragm, with or without creams or jelly, cervical cap, birth control implants, birth control pills, IUD, and sterilization for men and women.

_________I am aware that the Depo-Provera injectable contraception will last 3 months and will have to be given every three moths to maintain protection.

_________I am aware that I must return within two weeks of the end of my three-month period to get an update injection if I wish to continuously be protected from becoming pregnant.

_________I am aware that I may have irregular bleeding while using Depo-Provera and that it can last the entire time that I am using this method.

_________I am aware that I could also have no menstrual periods for the entire time I am using Depo-Provera and for up to 18 months or longer after I have had my last injection.

_________I understand that if I chose to become pregnant, it could take up to 18 months or longer to become pregnant after the last injection of Depo-Provera.

_________I agree to regular follow up and to return when requested for follow up.

_________I am aware that Depo-Provera will not protect me from sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s) or HIV/AIDS and that I must follow safe sex practices to be sure of adequate prevention form these problems.

_________I am aware that all I have to do to discontinue use of Depo-Provera for protection against pregnancy is not return at 3 months for additional injections. In such cases, I will either desire to get pregnant or return for evaluation for an alternative method of contraception.

_________Using all of this information given to me, and by signing this form, I consent to receiving Depo-Provera by injection for use in protection against pregnancy.

Signed ___________________________________________________________Date ___________________________

If you are ready to lose weight and want help we can help you. The program works in the following way. We will send you either via mail or through your E-mail a number of forms to fill out. After you complete these forms, you mail them back to us.

The forms we will send will be:

A medical history--so that we can be sure that our program is safe for you.

An eating history--this will help us to know how to help you best.

A questionnaire to determine your metabolic type--Often obesity is caused by eating the wrong types of foods It is extremely helpful to know your metabolic type in planning a dietary program for you.

Personal Information Form--This provides us with basic information about you, how to communicate with you and some other vital information.

We will ask you to have a number of diagnostic blood tests performed in your local area. We will send you a prescription form and instructions. The results will be mailed to us so that we can review them and consider them in determining your overall dietary program.

At least once a week, and if necessary, three times a week, you will weigh yourself and send us this weight. We will keep a weight loss graph just like the one you send us.

You can at these times ask any questions you wish. You can direct your questions to either myself Dr. Lisa Lawrence, or to Dr. Allen Lawrence.

Once we have seen your weight results and reviewed your question we will write back to you the answers to your questions and whatever modifications appear to be needed.

You will make the necessary changes and your weight will steadily decrease.

We will ask you to take certain measurements and repeat them once a week and send the results to us at a regular communication.

It is as easy as that.

It is a good idea to have a complete physical examination prior to starting our weight loss program to be sure that you are in excellent health and that there are no contraindications to your losing weight. If you have had a physical in the past six to 12 months, everything was okay and no new problems or unusual symptoms have appeared then this will also be acceptable. You can have your blood tests done at the time of your examination.

If you have had an examination in the past six months, then a copy of your laboratory results will do. You can fax or mail it to us so that we have current results to work with.

If you have any special medical problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or coronary artery disease, we suggest that you to get consent from your medical doctor to be placed on a weight loss program. Your medical doctor may contact us if this is desired.

We have used our program with people who had diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and many other medical conditions but we always have made sure that it was appropriate and that our client had consent from his or her primary physician we ask the same of you.

There will be more detailed instructions on everything you need in the packet you will receive.

The charge is $99.95 for the 3 month of On-Line diet and nutritional support. This will include the entire Weight Loss Program package, up to three times per week On-Line counseling and everything else described above. Follow up is $25.00 per month (monthly) thereafter until your goal weight is reached.

If you wish to start now send a check for $99.95 and you will receive our entire Weight Loss package along with 90-days of E-mail support. You can send check or money order made payable to :

You can contact us below by E-mail and ask any question you need to know before you make up your mind.

You will love how easy our program is. You will join hundreds of other men and women how have not only lost weight but have changed their lives for the better. We will be their with you every step of the way and when you have reached your goal weight you will never gain it back. Kiss it good bye for you will be thin forever.

Well it is true! You can eat as much as you desire -- and still lose weight. The Lawrence Metamorphosis Weight Loss program has been used by thousands of people with excellent results.

No more starvation,. You never need to worry about creating starving your body while you are losing weight. The Lawrence Metamorphosis Weight Loss Diet is scientifically designed to eliminate malnutrition and provide your body with all of the healthy nutrients it will need to maintain your health and well-being.

Women's Nutritional Programs

Metamorphosis Women's Dietary and Nutritional Programs

Women have many special needs all the way from preparing for pregnancy, being pregnant, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, elevated blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, post partum depression, post partum needs while breast feeding or just wanting to get back into shape. Many special problems such as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), menopause, osteoporosis prevention, iron deficiency anemia and much more. These Metamorphosis programs are designed with the woman's physiology and nutritional needs in mind.

If you are looking forward to getting pregnant, having problems getting or just want to be prepared to have a healthy and enjoyable pregnancy, this program is for you.

Metamorphosis Prenatal Dietary and Education Programs For Women

For women who are already pregnant and want to ensure their chances for having the most normal healthy baby.

Metamorphosis High Risk Prenatal Dietary and Education Programs For Women

For women who are already pregnant and have complicated pregnancies, or have a past history of pregnant complications. Pregnancy problems such as prior caesarian section, expecting a c-section with the present pregnancy (breach or multiple births), who have excessive weight gain during this pregnant or a prior pregnancy, multiple pregnancy, many prior pregnancies, pregnant after recent birth, and babies, preeclampsia, toxemia, anemia, edema or need to maintain weight, rather than gain weight.

Metamorphosis Post Partum Dietary and Education Programs For Women

Whether you had a normal pregnancy, a c-section or complicated pregnancy you may be wanting or even needing help to get back into shape, to lose weight, to regain strength or look and feel your very best. This program is for you. A combination or diet, lifestyle, stress reduction and exercise will just be your ticket to regaining or even finding for the first time your optimal health and well being.

If you suffer from PMS and it is taking a toll from your life, if you have mood swings, irritability, bloating, increased appetite or any other of the nearly 100 symptoms associated with PMS than you will love this entirely natural, dietary approach to eliminating your PMS without medication.

This is a natural high calcium, high magnesium diet to reduce the risk and complications of menopause. It can help you prevent osteoporosis and significantly lower your risk of coronary artery disease, stroke and other atherosclerotic vascular problems associated with the post menopausal years.

Modular Workshop Programs

Metmorphosis Modular Workshop Programs

These modular workshop programs are designed to work with and add depth to our basic dietary and educational programs. The idea is that no one can give you everything you need in any one program and possibly much of what any program may cover you may not need or want. Rather than load every participant up with unlimited information spending limitless time and energy, we offer much like you college modular courses in those areas you want or believe you may need.

Participating in a basic program is not required to be enrolled in any of our modular courses. Enrolling in one or our basic programs does not then require that you sign up or participate in any modular workshop. While not entirely mutually exclusive they are designed to add to each other.

These workshops are held in groups of 3 to 4 and generally cost $35.00 per 1 hour session. Some workshops last longer, up to 2 hours, and these workshops cost $50.00 per each session.

Weight Loss Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Obesity-Weight Loss Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Intensive (Rapid) Weight Loss Diet

A sophisticated 1200-1500 calorie whole food "All You Can Eat" dietary program. This is a tried and proven program for rapid weight loss. Clients have often lost as much as 7 to 10 pounds a week initially, safely and sanely. Contrary to most weight loss diets which are starvation based diets, this is not. The goal here is to eat only foods lots of good health foods which in turn raise your metabolic rate and cause you to lose weight while eating all you want. No one goes hungry on this program. Appetite suppressants medication are not necessary and in fact are rarely used or needed.

Metamorphosis Mediterranean-Style Weight Loss Diet

Based on the Mediterranean-style diet is also a 1500-2000 calorie whole food "all You can Eat" dietary program. This dietary program is similar to the Mediterranean-style low cholesterol, low triglyceride dietary program except it is used in the exact same way as the Intensive Weight Loss diet. The goal is to nourish the body and return it to normal functioning.

Metamorphosis Progressive Weight Loss Diet

A sophisticated 1500-2000+ calorie whole food "All You Can Eat" dietary program. This program is for individuals who have relative few pounds to lose or are coming close to their goal weight and need to slow weight loss down. The goal of this program is to eat a normal diet and still lose weight.

Metamorphosis Maintenance Diet Program

Based on the Metamorphosis dietary principles this program is for those individuals who have completed their weight loss and reached their goal weight. The Maintenance program is used to assist them in maintaining their ideal weight while their body resets their Metabolic Set Rate, the rate at which they metabolize food and calories.

Dietary and Lifestyle Programs

Metamorphosis Dietary, Lifestyle and
Life Education Programs

Educational and Specialized Counseling Programs

We offer many individualized and group health and medical counseling programs for men, women and children. Our motto of "To Win Over a Health Problem, Is to Know Everything You Need To Know About Your Problems." Using this motto we provide help in the form of both information about specific health or medical conditions, counseling in diet, lifestyle as well as many other techniques for natural healing.

Cholesterol and Lipid Lowering Dietary Programs

These programs are for individuals who have high cholesterol and/or triglycerides, have had heart attack or stroke or at higher risk for heart attack or stroke.

Family Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Programs

We are asked all the time what is a good healthy diet for myself and for my family. These are dietary programs for people who do not require special programs and want to prevent medical and health problems.

Women's Health Dietary and Educational Programs

Women have many special needs all the way from preparing for pregnancy, being pregnant, excessive weight gain during pregnancy, elevated blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, post partum depression, post partum needs while breast feeding or just wanting to get back into shape. Many special problems such as Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), menopause, osteoporosis prevention, iron deficiency anemia and much more. These Metamorphosis programs are designed with the woman's physiology and nutritional needs in mind.

Modular Workshops

We present a long list or Modular Workshops regarding topics which support healing, weight loss, cholesterol-triglyceride reduction, low calorie cooking and self image to name only a few. Visit or Workshop page to learn more about the programs we have available.

Life Dynamic Training

Many people have physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problems that manifest as physical problems, illness or chronic diseases for which medicine has no specific cure, only the treatment of symptoms. If you, a family member or friend have such a problem check out our section on healing, through life Dynamic Training.

Family Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Healthy Family Dietary Programs

We are frequently asked, "What is a good healthy diet for myself and for my family." The Metamorphosis dietary programs, are just that "good healthy dietary programs for you and your entire family." They are designed, however, not only for people who do not require special dietary programs, who just wholesome delicious, healthy way of eating, as well as for individuals want to prevent medical and health problems. They are also however, designed for individuals who have dietary deficiency syndromes, medical conditions created by inadequate diet and or require dietary intervention, for the sick and chronically ill who need immediate help to improve or resolve medical problems.

We are frequently asked, "What is a good healthy diet for myself and for my family." The Metamorphosis dietary programs, are just that "good healthy dietary programs for you and your entire family." They are designed, however, not only for people who do not require special dietary programs, who just wholesome delicious, healthy way of eating, as well as for individuals want to prevent medical and health problems. They are also however, designed for individuals who have dietary deficiency syndromes, medical conditions created by inadequate diet and or require dietary intervention, for the sick and chronically ill who need immediate help to improve or resolve medical problems.

Whether you just want to learn how to live healthier, know how you can eat or cook healthier, or you want to eliminate stress, stop smoking, lose weight, prevent medical problems or just feel better, we either already have a dietary and lifestyle program for you, or we can tailor make one for your specific needs.

You want your child to eat better, to learn how to handle stress, to eliminate anxiety or certain other non productive behavior problems come see us and we will teach you everything you need to know to help your child, increase his or her health and reduce their risk of illness.

Metamorphosis Reproductive Health Dietary, Lifestyle and Education Programs for Men

Learn how to improve the health of your prostate learn which foods and supplements help your prostate and which can hurt your prostate. If you have prostate problems get relief and even heal your symptoms. For men with low sperm count we can also help you.

Alzheimer's Disease Counseling and Prevention Program

If you are worried about yourself or a relative, if you have a family member who you fear maybe suffering or is for sure suffering from Alzheimer's disease, than come see us and get help. Information and understanding, regarding what is happening and is likely to happen, can make a big difference for everyone involved.

Metamorphosis Allergy Substitution Diet

If you or a family member suffer from food allergies it is likely that you need real help and need it sooner than later. If you are not sure whether or not you have allergies, come see us and we will help you determine whether you do or do not and what you can do about it.

Many people suffer from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual problems that manifest as health problems and physical conditions, as illness or as chronic illness and disease for which medicine has no specific cure, only the treatment of symptoms. If you, a family member or friend have such a problem check out our section on healing, through Life Dynamic Training.

Gastrointestinal Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Gastrointestinal Dietary Programs

There is nothing that can ruin your day, your year, or your life, like digestive system problems. Whether it be simple problems such as increased stomach acid or more complex problems such as GERD, stomach or duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel, abdominal pain, constipation or diarrhea, digestive system problems can leave you feeling miserable, with less energy, drained and weak, not to mention embarrassed and in pain.

We have the ability to evaluate your problems and prescribe a dietary and educational program that can help you eliminate your symptoms and finally get back to normal. All programs are a combination of dietary modifications, exercise, stress management and lifestyle modification.

This program is a combination of dietary and lifestyle modification counseling and education for individuals with GERD. The goal of this program is to not only relieve and eliminate GERD symptoms, but also to eliminate GERD and in doing so allow the body to heal existing damage to the esophagus, if possible.

Cholesterol Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Cholesterol and Lipid LoweringDietary Programs

Metamorphosis Low-Fat and Low-Cholesterol Diet

This program is for individuals who have elevated blood cholesterol and/or triglycerides. The program is based on the general principles of reducing those foods in the diet that are high in fat and specifically, foods high in cholesterol. It can be used alone, as primary treatment of elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, or along with cholesterol/triglyceride lowering medications. Like all Metamorphosis Dietary programs this program is based on eating whole, healthy, nutritious foods.

Metamorphosis Mediterranean-Style Diet

The Mediterranean-style diet has been proven to lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Based on the traditional diet of the Mediterranean area it is a tasty and fun way to lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

AHA Step I and Step II Diets

The American Heart Association (AHA) Step I and Step II Dietary programs are designed to assist persons with high cholesterol and/or high triglycerides lower the cholesterol and triglycerides in their diet. The Metamorphosis version of the AHA dietary programs has never tasted this good before. This program is based on criteria set by the AHA and then is blended with the whole food Metamorphosis philosophy to provide a tasty and enjoyable way to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides.

Ornish-Style Vegetarian (Strict Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol) Diet

Based on the famous Dr. Dean Ornish all vegetarian diet, this dietary program is for individuals who have significant heart, stroke or other vascular problems where the big gun diet is needed to get the job done.

There are also weight loss versions of each of the above Dietary Programs

Diabetic Dietary Programs

Metamorphosis Diabetic Dietary Programs

If you are diabetic you may want to 1) get your blood sugar under control, 2) reduce the amount of anti-diabetic medications you are taking and 3) reduce your risks of the complications of diabetes.

Metamorphosis Diabetic Diet

Whole Food, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, 1200-2500 calories based on individual needs. Designed to lower blood sugar levels into the normal range, do reduce insulin requirements and to allow patients on oral diabetic agents to either reduce total dosage or be able to eliminate use of oral anti-diabetic agents.

Metamorphosis Vegetarian and Vegan Diabetic Diets

Whole Food, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, 1200-2500 calories based on individual needs. Designed to lower blood sugar levels into the normal range, do reduce insulin requirements and to allow patients on oral diabetic agents to either reduce total dosage or be able to eliminate use of oral anti-diabetic agents.

This dietary program is for those individuals who are either resistant to other types of diets or are strict vegetarians. Often used by diabetics with history of coronary artery disease, prior stroke who require more strict management of lipids and cholesterol.

All of our dietary programs are based on whole foods, we do our best to encourage patients to avoid refined and processed foods. When this is not possible we help them to eat the healthiest of the refined and processed foods.

Some patients may require appetite suppressants for short periods of time. We will work with you to determine if appetite suppressant medications needs to be prescribed. You will need to see your personal doctor to prescribe this medication for you and to make sure that it will not conflict with other medical treatment or medical conditions.

Generally weight loss patients want immediate results and are started initially on Intensive programs and when at between 60% and 80% of goal will be transferred to Progressive programs by adding more foods and higher calorie levels. Once the patient has reach their ideal (goal) weight, they are placed on a Maintenance Program for six to twelve months, depending on their individual risk of reverting back to old patterns. Medications is usually not recommended during the Maintenance program.

Working with Your Doctor

We do not prescribe medications over the internet. You will have to see your doctor for any prescription medications.

We refer all patients for prescriptions for all medication, diagnostic and laboratory testing, to their own personal physician.

We consult directly with you regarding all dietary changes.

We can if you wish send periodic updates to your doctor noting your condition and your progress.

Your doctor will manage all medical problems and their treatment, we will operate as a team with your doctor being the leader.

For More Information About The Metamorphosis Dietary and Educational Programs e-mail us at Metamorphosis Programs

Mind-Body-Spirit Healing

Psychoneuroimmunobiology (PNI)
and Mind-Body-Spirit Healing

Mind Vs Body Vs Spirit

This work is a composite, a way of integrating the scientific way of thinking with the deeper realities that many scientists, including medical professionals, are now recognizing. Specifically, the causes and cures of the illnesses their patients suffer and the way the mind, body and spirit separate or integrate in creating these causes and cures.

For the past 100 years the rule of medicine has been to separate mind from body, and mind and body from spirit.

The problem with this is that no matter how much the present modern western medical system wants to tell us that this is right, or that it should be this way, even though most physicians have been trained and disciplined into believing that this is the way it should be -- many of us are having difficulty reconciling the fact that each person comes to us with a body, a mind, and a spirit.

Because the present medical system and the training to become part of the medical system have been the way they presently are for many generations, it is easy for most physicians to accept the body, most even accept the mind, but many still are unwilling to admit that the two are not only connected but inseparable. To cut the mind (not just the brain) away from the body, means loss of consciousness and in many cases even death.

No mater how hard it is to admit it, recognizing that there is something that animates us, something that gives us life and it is not just the personality nor the will, is hard for most physicians. In many cases it is even difficult for physicians who are themselves, religious people.

But the fact is, when we die--something leaves us, something that appears to be crucial to our existence as a sentient being. We can try as we may to ignore it, we can try to think of it as chemical, energetic or even as neurologic, but in the long run it transcends all of these.

The Newtonian Cartesian Paradigm

Historically, in the 15th century what we now think of as modern medicine broke away from the church. Up to this time most, recognized healers were part of the church. At this time Sir Isaac Newton and Rene Descartes laid down a series of concepts, scientific and philosophical doctrines, which eventually became the basis of modern science and modern Western medicine. These principles along with the movement away from the church had the effect of creating a separation between science as we know it and the physical body, the mind and the spirit aspect of being humans. Medicine became based entirely on science, research had to be done and results had to not only be duplicateable, but mathematically or intellectually provable. Nothing could be accepted if it could not be seen, touched or felt physically. Emotions were irrelevant and man became separated from his spiritual nature, as least as far as medicine was concerned.

This was a movement away from faith, away from the church, and toward hard cold facts and hard science. Spirits were unseen forces. No one even had considered the possibility of the mind at this point in time. What now existed, had to be proven scientifically.

For several hundred years this concept worked. Then modern scientists like Albert Einstein, Werner Heisenberg, Nils Bohr and later David Bohm began to tell us that something existed beyond what we could see, taste, smell or touch.

Einstein wrote about modern science, he was specifically talking about physics but did extend it to all "modern science," definitely proves the existence of God. Bohm, a disciple of Einstein, and a more recent major force in modern physics, goes even further and says, "God is proven mathematically."

Heisenberg--as part of his Uncertainty theorem created a rift in the concepts presently held by Western, modern, science when he told us that scientific experiment can't prove anything for the way an experiment is set up, who does the experiment, what they believe, and what they are looking for, all influence the outcome of the end result.

Therefore, scientific experimentation is always biased and at best can only be used as a tool and never as a rule (my words).

Today there is a group of scientists from many disciplines who are coming together under a banner called, psychoneuroimmunobiology. They have transcended the past linear approach of Western medicine, but not with the intention of destroying it. They are adding a new and very needed dimensions to the practice of medicine, they are integrating mind and body and in many cases mind, body and spirit.

Fritjov Capra, in his books the Tao of Physics and the Turning Point, refers to this movement as a "new paradigm." He suggests that it is acting on all of Western society. Capra includes not only physics and medicine, but also psychology, economics, politics, and even reality itself.

This new study of the body, mind and spirit connection is demonstrating that there are some dramatic new ways of looking at wellness and illness. One of the areas which is becoming very meaningful is the role of thought and stress on the immune system and the physiology of the body. We can now better understand the role of specific events on blood pressure and other body physiology. We can now look at how prayer and visual imagery can affect the course of an illness. Through them we are now seeing that multiple internal factors are involved in the creation of illness, healing and maintenance of wellness. Illness is no longer simply an extension of the Germ Theory--our present concept of infection being the end result of exposure to a germ, but is expanded to include the ability of the body and its immune system to resist and destroy invading organisms, the Stress Mechanism, the environment, nutrition and all those factors that are involved with defending and protecting our self from illness.

In some ways it is a return to more basic, even "primitive" or "primal" concepts--the understanding that nothing operates in a vacuum. That wellness, illness, healing and even death, are the end results of a number of complex interrelationships between who and what we are, our thoughts, the stress Mechanism and the complex interactions between our mind, our body and our spiritual selves.

Medicine men and shaman have for centuries understood this. Dismissed as witch doctors, fakes and frauds they have continued to work, often underground, to treat the whole person. In many cases, patients who were not able to receive the help they needed from the medical profession, have found their way to traditional healers who have helped them back from illness to wholeness.

Many physicians refuse to accept these cures. They look at these non-medically trained individuals as con men and women or as frauds. They condemn all such healers as charlatans--too often, they throw out the baby with the bath water.

Many of these physicians feel threatened, many feel that if what has been done cannot be proven scientifically, it can't be accepted at all. Some simply suggest that these healings are simply "lucky." They generally tell us that the "initial diagnosis must have been wrong, " what happened, happened because of "placebo effect." They dismiss the work of these non-traditional healers as "parlor tricks," "flim-flam," and on occasion as "spontaneous miracles." However, they often add what happened was not scientific and cannot be accepted without proof and scientific scrutiny.

Often they down play the evidence they do have and having no clear answer, they dismiss it as some sort of aberration or they simply refuse to accept it and ignore the whole thing, as if it never happened. They chose not to learn from it. They chose not to ask questions, nor to look at it scientifically. Often they chose not to be bothered by it and reject it entirely.

Others physicians ask questions. "How could an individual who was sick, suddenly cure their illness and become fully well?" "What has really happened?" "What process underlies what happened?" "What factors were really involved?" They ask questions and investigate even though by doing so, they risk their professional reputations and their careers and livelihoods. From these people and the many questions they ask, enlightened physicians often conclude that something must exist beyond the narrow parameters of modern medicine which operates to which affects the cause and cure of illness.

The patient may think of it as magic or as a miracle. He may give God the credit or he may believe that some mysterious power was operating, but in the end the results cannot be easily dismissed.

While neuropsychoimmunobiology is a fledgling part of the medical sciences, it has already contributed important understandings to the practice of medicine. We now have clear evidence that thought can change body chemistry. We know that when we have good (positive) thoughts we create positive neurochemical messengers that are released not only into local brain tissues but to the entire body.

We now also know that our thoughts cannot only create or change our mood, but they can actually change our chemistry. We also know that they affect how we see ourselves and the world around us. We also know that our thoughts can affect our physiology. Thinking that your hand is cold can lower the temperature of your hand, more specifically thinking the right hand is cold and the left hand is hot can lower the temperature of the right hand and raise the temperature of the left hand.

We know that the mind is not only connected to the body, but that it is intimately related to it and that for all practical purposes, they are one and the same.

We have learned that no physical disease can occur without a mental, emotional or spiritual component. We are now also recognizing that the after-emotions caused by an illness are often preceded by one or more pre-emotions which are related directly to the cause of the illness.

It is rapidly becoming clearer that most illnesses have a mental or thought component aspect to them. As I like to think of it, a conflict exists which is not only associated with the illness itself, but frequently is part of the cause of the illness.

For many years native American medicine men, shamans and witch doctors have been telling us that there is not only a mental and emotional component to every physical, mental and emotional illness but that there is also always a spiritual component as well.

While there is promising work being done in this area, there is as yet, no scientific proof that a spiritual component exists. This, of course, has been an age-old dilemma. Can we ever prove the spirit exists? Can we prove that God exists? This is the edge of the envelope where science breaks down and either religion or spirituality takes over. This is often the hard part for the physician who must tuck away his medical texts and accept in faith that the spiritual aspect of human beings actually does exist.

This leap of faith, however, should really not be that difficult, over the years most physicians have learned to have faith in what their text books say, in their practice of medicine and in their own skills and knowledge, even when they conflict with scientific fact.

Heisenberg might have asked, "How can you prove that anything exists to begin with, if the people creating the experiment do not believe that what they are looking for exists?" This is especially meaningful when those who do believe that a spiritual aspect does exist are branded as charlatans or fools by the scientific community. In order to relate to the possibility that physical, mental and emotional aspects are interrelated, it is necessary to accept at least the possibility, that such a relationship can exist.

For those of you who are still skeptical and unwilling to accept that the spirit does exist, it would therefore be impossible to prove under any natural circumstances. The funny thing is that most of the "scientists" who are skeptical about the relationship between the body, mind and spirit work every day with the faith that their skills and medicines will work. They accept that they themselves are alive and that their patients are alive and yet, they cannot prove that life it self exists. This "fact" is simply accepted on the faith that it does exist, because they believe it to exist.

One doctor I talked with recently told me that what I have just said was "nonsense." He told me that he could see life, feel life and knows when it exists and when it doesn't. I asked him to prove this scientifically and he could not.

How can this information be used in medical practice? This is a highly complex area and it is clear that nothing is going to replace the present interventive medical system. No one is advocating replacing it or doing away with it. The current medical construct involving diagnosis and treatment will always be needed. Even if we could prevent most diseases and illnesses, there is still going to be injuries and normal wear and tear. Rather than replacing this system it is more likely that it will be add to. These new additions would simply add more dimensions to the practice of medicine and broaden the way we see ourselves and the process of life. This would augment our armamentarium and make us more valuable and even more credible as healers.

How This New Dimension Adds To Making A Diagnosis

The addition of an expanded view of humans to be integrated mind's, body's and spirit's would change the practice of medicine in many ways. Certainly it would change how we make diagnosis, the diagnosis them selves and the how we treat individuals based on cleaner and clear diagnosis.

One of the first benefits is that we would begin by listening to our patients differently. We would listen to what they tell us about their symptoms in a broader and more inclusive way. We would begin to recognize the individual symptoms and physician signs of illness as intelligent communications from the body, mind, emotional self and spirit communicating with the individual that a conflict exists and must be resolved. To a great degree this is no significant departure from what we already do. When an individual sits on a tack, the body immediately tells us through a sudden pain or discomfort that we have been injured and even where the injury is. The enlightened physician will tell his or her patient to bend over and will then find and remove the tack.

Expanding diagnosis to the emotional, mental and spiritual areas is not much different if one is willing to listen to how and when the symptoms started and what was going on in the patient's life just before they started. From this information, a little common sense, along with using our intuition and knowledge about how people work and how life works, we can soon determine what may have triggered the symptoms and created the illness reasonably accurately.

What Is Different about How We must Listen?

We must listen to the choice of words that are used for each word is a universe of information. Each word paints a picture and when its emotional and mental and psychological meanings are understood, how the word is general used in society then this picture tells us something about the person and what is going on in their life.

We must listen to the voice, what emotion exists, the tone and tensions and where the individual puts emphasis. We know this from life in general. When we listen to people, how they speak tells us a lot about who they are and what is going on inside or them.

We must listen to what they believe is the cause and contributing factors associated with their problems. Generally, most people are intelligent and they know what is wrong with them. Unfortunately since the medical profession presently considers that their patients are usually medically ignorant, the physician often misses out on the insight and knowing that the patient has about their own condition. I have heard physicians tell patients to "quiet down" or even "shut up" and only answer questions they way they think their questions should be answered. These physicians miss out on valuable information and the patient misses out on finding the real underlying cause of their illness. The end result is often life long treatment for conditions which could have been "cured" had the physicians been listening to the patient instead of trying to control what the patient said and did.

We must feel the emotions that the patient is experiencing--we must experience whether it is positive, negative or neutral and whether it is appropriate for the circumstances. We must go beyond their fear and discomfort into the root cause of their illness. Emotions are clues to the mystery which the illness is trying to unfold to us.

Let me give you an example:

A patient came to see me who had a problematic gastric ulcer. It would not heal up, no matter what was done for him. The pain continued to worsen while the ulcer itself seemed unchanged.

He had been followed by his family doctor for more than four months and was not improving, no matter what treatment was tried. I asked him if there was any stress in his life, his answer was, "No!"

I asked him to tell me what was going on in his life and he answered, "Nothing!"

I talked with him for a while and then asked him to tell me what was going on around him. He took a deep breath a sigh and then related the following details (which I have shortened for this publication).

"About six months ago my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, when my father heard the news he had a heart attack. My wife had to take time off of her job to help my mother get to her treatments at the hospital and to take her to see my father who was in a different hospital."

"Since my wife was no longer working full days and she was taking so much time off, this soon put a crimp in our financial picture, but nothing really that bad. Then about four months ago my baby brother was arrested for selling cocaine. The police caught him in the act so he pled guilty and he was ultimately sentenced to three years in prison."

"This left his wife and infant child without an income, so I had to start giving them money to pay their rent and buy food. This meant I had to take a second job. About two months ago my wife lost her job because of the amount of time she was taking off. Now I am the sole support of 10 people and I am just overwhelmed. I do not know how we are all going to make it. It is just eating me up alive."

Remember when I asked him if he had any stress in his life, he replied, "No!" When I asked him what was going on in his life his answer was, "Nothing!" Both very emphatically.

After he related his story I asked him why he said that he had no stress in his life, he answered, "Well these are just the normal things that everyone has to face and I am doing what needs to be done." But the truth is, he was not facing it well, his conflicts are wreaking havoc on his body. The most enlightening aspect was when he said, "I do not know how we are all going to make it, it is eating me up alive." And it was eating the lining of his stomach alive.

When you listen to the mind and spirit talking to you, you will begin to hear beyond the medical history and move into the relationship of body, mind and spirit.

Learning to Use Your Intuition

Another value of listening to mind, body and spirit is that we soon begin to develop our intuition. For the physician this is not only essential but differentiates between the enlightened physicians and what I refer to as the medical doctor, the technician. Being a good technician is a great accomplishment but being a great technician and an enlightened physician is an even greater accomplishment. Those who are sick should always look for the great technician but the people who really want to get well should also look for the great technician who is also an enlightened physician.

Both the physician and the patient should learn how to use their intuition. For the physician this skill is often referred to as clinical acumen. For both the physician, who is a person, and the patient who is also a person, we think of this skill as human experience and common sense. When we go beyond the words into the feeling and images that they create we see cause and even more importantly, we can see the way to cure the problems that have ultimately caused the illness.

This skill can also be thought of as insight, telepathy, empathy, knowing or as I like to think of it, being a competent healer, whether you are the physician healing a patient or an individual healing his or her own self.

An example:

A woman in her late forties presented with chronic depression and multiple medical problems. She has been seen by numerous doctors over many years. She immediately tells me, almost proudly, that no one has ever even come close to curing her. The depression itself is the first clue for it tells me that she is not getting something she wants and possibly that she is angry at someone (or at herself) and that she has been unable to resolve her feelings and emotions. One of her illnesses is an irregular heart beat this immediately suggests that she has a broken heart over something.

When I first saw her, she was wearing a "cowgirl dress." That is, her dress was lacy and frilly and has two six shooters one on each side just below the shoulder. When I asked if she had just come from square dancing, she looked at me strangely and incredulously exclaimed, "No! What would make you thing that I was square dancing?"

Her actions, tone of voice and the way she handles herself and her affairs where very childlike. She told me that her husband frequently treated her like a child and that she was constantly rebelling against him. She also told me she was terrified that he would leave her.

After several weeks of working with her, her story ultimately emerged. When she was seven years old, her father left the home and never returned. She has not heard from or seen him since. She became frozen in life as a seven-year-old. Physically and intellectually she grew older but emotionally she was still seven years old. Her illnesses all had root in this conflict, fear of rejection, her broken heart, feelings of unworthiness and a sense that her father left because of something she did. The messages she gave to her body, the chemical s released and the messenger pathways that developed were about her conflict and the unresolved pain she was suffering from.

In the end, I recognized that I could do nothing for her (the healer never heals the patient, the patient must heal them selves, they may use the help and assistance of the healer to do this), she had made up her mind (more unconsciously then consciously) that she would never grow up, until her father came back to her. I realized this when she told me, "Ever since he left, I have been waiting fro him to come home, to tell me that he loves me and to make everything get better again." She stopped for a second and then sighed, "I just want to be his little girl again and I want him to love me and hold me again and I cannot ever forgive him for leaving me."

Her depression and her illnesses were part of her need to not forgive him, to punish him for leaving and to punish herself for being the reason he left. She would hear no other possibilities, she long ago, when she was seven years old, had made up her mind to this and the adult part of her was too weak and to out of reach to help her to grow up and live in today's world. It is certainly possible that someday she will find her way out of this dilemma, but it soon became painfully clear that it wasn't going to be today and I wasn't going to be the one to help her. I was, as so many others had been, not her father, and not going to be allowed in to help her recover and become whole again.

The Specific Type Of Illness Is An Important Clue to What is Going On Within the Individual

We must recognize that the type of illness, the organ or organs involved and how it manifests are present as an Intelligent act of the body trying to communicate to the individual, and therefore to the physicians, the nature of the unresolved conflict. This operates under a concept that I call Body Symptom Language. That is, the areas involved, the specific symptoms as well as the specific illness, the patient's emotional response to their illness and what is going on in their life are all clues to the mental, emotional and spiritual basis that underlies and causes the physical process.

The individual in the first example told us through his symptoms and the area involved that he was being "eaten up alive" by his unresolved conflict. The stomach is where what we eat is digested and integrated into us. He was not digesting and integrating his situation well. His plans and dreams of financial security were being "devoured" right in front of his eyes and he was helpless to do anything about it.

He could not abandon his parents nor could he abandon his "baby" brother as he saw his family as being helpless and needing help. He was the "good boy" he told me. Everyone "counted" on him. Yet, he just could not "digest" what was going on. It was truly the bitter pill.

In PNI terms he was continually sending messages that not only activated the stress mechanism, but inactivated the defenses of his stomach. He could not stomach what was happening and he was helpless and these two messages joined together at the level of the stomach to make it defenseless against injury and since his situation was not healable this message continually was apparently interpreted by the tissues of the stomach and their defensive systems that they too were also vulnerable and not healable.

Always consider the meaning of the symptoms or the disease process to the patient. This also is a clue. For example, arthritis - can be the body's way of communicating that the individual is losing his or her grip on their life. Recurrent headaches may well be trying to tell the individual that something or someone in their life is a headache. Consider the possibility that cancer is a clue that "something is eating" at the person. How often do we say or think that something in our life is "eating at us" or "eating us up alive?" Sound far fetched, yet research has repeatedly demonstrated that cancer is associated with unresolved anger and rage.

Consider breast cancer. Quite often if you talk to women who have or have had breast cancer they tell a story in which if you listen carefully they tell that they have unresolved conflicts around nurturing. The woman whose husband is an alcoholic, the divorced woman, the woman whose child is always in trouble with the law, or is an alcoholic, or drug addict. Often when there absolutely appears to be no nurturing conflict, if you listen very carefully you will hear that in someway, important and deeply suppressed conflicts exist. They have not been nurturing themselves.

Take as an example a young woman who as a child dreamed of being a lawyer. As she grew up, she may have conflicted this dream with feelings that she was too inadequate to try (this may have been reenforced by her parents, teachers or other members of her family), maybe she married early and had children too early, or possibly she believed that her husband wouldn't understand, that he might be threatened by her wanting to go to law school. There may be hundreds of reasons why she did not try, yet the dream still persists often in the unconscious, but sometimes it may surface as brief thoughts, "I really wish I had gone to law school." She may also think to herself at time, "If I had only tried harder, I too could have been a lawyer." She may use any or all of these excuses at one time or another but in the end her dream lies fallow and she feels undernourished and unnurtured by herself (and possibly by her family).

Whenever these thoughts' surfaces she may immediately push them down, back into her subconscious. Her desire is thwarted and left unfulfilled, suppressed and ignored deep in her subconscious.

Outwardly she has forgotten her desire but the subconscious mind has not. She may say to herself along the way, "At some point when the children are grown up, when my fear of being alone has subsided, and John is more mellow and sure of himself, I'll think about it again."

Eventually the children are grown up and love has become more secure (or dwindles), now thoughts of law school may once again surface. At first these thoughts may only occur in dreams or fleeting reveries, eventually they become conscious as real substantive thoughts. Since these promises were made years earlier, and they are now consciously forgotten, sudden thoughts of law schools may be surprising, she may dismiss them as "old memories," "childhood fantasies," or simply as "crazy ideas or thoughts."

If she acts on these thoughts and enrolls in law school she nurtures herself and resolves this long term conflict. If, on the other hand, she once again pushes them down, and suppresses them before she recognizes what they are all about, or dismisses them summarily as nonsense, her body/mind will soon begin to try to communicate with her in the only way it can through physical, mental, emotional or spiritual signs and symptoms and eventually if this does not work, through illness.

What About Treatment Programs?

Today this presents a major dilemma. The medical profession and to a great degree the laws of our states and country have made it necessary that a physician operate and treat patients in "a manner which is consistent with the standard of the (specific) community." On the surface this is a wonderful law, one which protects many people from unnecessary surgery and poor medical treatment. On the other hand, it is responsible to hundreds of thousands of unnecessary deaths and infinite suffering. If mind, body, spirit medicine is not the standard of the community than physicians will shy away from it. They will fear legal problems and being ostracized by the medical community.

In spite of this however, there is a growing trend of bold and adventurous physicians to recognize that standard medicine is not working for many of their patients. In many people simply treating illnesses with drugs and surgery often either makes it worse or doses little or nothing to help. Many physicians are recognizing that standard medicine often leaves people less than whole, on medications, with their symptoms and little resolution. Without finding the cause of the illness one cannot really expect to heal it. If the cause is in the interactions of mind, body and spirit then traditional medical treatments will often fail.

Many physicians are also recognizing that the medications they prescribe often lead to new and different problems compounding the distress their patient already experience. Many physicians are also recognizing that treatment of early illnesses is not really protecting their patients from ultimately developing chronic diseases.

Attempts are being made on the part of physicians and patients alike to find solutions Bernie Siegel and Leo Bassiglia teaches about love being the new medicine, Kenneth Pellitier writes about Mind as Healer Mind as Slayer, Arnold Fox writes and lectures on the relationship of the immune system to wellness. We have acupuncture, biofeedback, bioenergetics, pyramid energy, macrobiotics, radionics, autogenic training, transcendental meditation, somatography, aromatherapy, biodynamic psychology to name only a few new disciplines that are now competing with standard medical thought and practice.

It is important for those physicians who are enlightened to recognize that if they are not able to help their patient get well with conventional medical treatment they must send the patient to someone else who can. This means not just to another conventional medical doctor, but to someone who can really help them even if they are not using standard or conventional interventive medical techniques.

Physician and Healer Working Together

In many cases today patients go to their regular medical doctor for problems which require drugs and surgery but for problems which do not they may go to modern body, mind, spirit healers to find the underlying mind-body (mental or emotional conflict) or spiritual conflict that are causing their physical, mental or emotional problems and illnesses. Often the healer can better support the patient and treat the spiritual and mental aspects of their illnesses better, while the physician treats the physical manifestations of the conflict. Most medical doctors would be negative to cooperating with non-traditional medical or non-medical practitioners. If the patient is already seeing a non-traditional practitioner, he or she frequently keeps it a secret from their medical doctor.

If only the medical doctor's could get past their biases and work together with the non-traditional practitioners, that is work together as a team, the interests of the patient would be much better served. Patients might be healed, instead of kept on medications for the rest of their life, and allowed to develop chronic diseases.

The healer whether a medical doctor or a non-traditional practitioner must use their intuition, or as the shaman describes it, going into the spirit world getting the answers that are needed, to determine the cause and the solution of the underlying conflict. This medical practitioner can do this if he or she trains them self. In the old days this was referred to as clinical intuition or clinical acumen. This intuition can be used by the physician to gain additional insight into the patients underlying conflicts and what really needs to be done to solve these conflicts and resolve their patient's problems.

Non-Traditional Methods of Healing

Beside the use of intuition and recognizing the roles of mind, body and spirit in causing and healing illness both the medical professionals and non-traditional healers use various techniques to alleviate pain, anxiety and the illness itself.

Rituals, Amulets and Herbs:

While the medical profession would like to believe that they are above using rituals, amulets and herbs to heal, the truth is, they are not. They simply have masked the process and give it a new PR approach. Just about everything about the visit to the medical doctor is a ritual. Patients have to call to make appointments, we make them fill out reams of paper work, we take a medical history, we weigh the patient, take blood pressure and do a physical examination. Leave out any of these steps and the patient feels uncomfortable, truthfully the medical doctor will often also feel uncomfortable as well. Many times patient have asked me if I were going to listen to their heart, even when the visit did not call for doing this. The physician wears a sacred stethoscope or white coat as mantel of his or her office and healing power. He prescribes sophisticated versions of herbal preparations (in the form of prescription medication) for the patient to take.

Sacrifice:

In ancient times this meant paying the debt that was necessary for the higher forces (God's) to accept that you had learned your lesson and that you have recognized your blame and are now offering something of great value to the nature force to accept and release you from the conflict, guilt and shame and hence release the illness.

The sacrifice also has to do with two things:

The value of the treatment process, the value of the healer, the value of the experience.

Paying your debt for having missed the mark or for causing hurt to yourself or others.

Today this is done through the medical charges for the visit. The cost of the medication, the taking of the medicines and the acceptance of the power of the physician as the healer - all are aspects of a powerful healing ritual and the giving of a sacrifice.

It can also be seen in another common way where the sacrifice is the surgical removal of an organ such as a hysterectomy, gastrectomy for an ulcer. In such cases the patient sacrifices an organ to pay the debt they unconsciously know they must pay. Since the type of illness and the organ or organs involved are intelligent communications from the body/mind then the sacrifice has an additional meaning one of offering up the organs to release the conflict.

Let me give you an example of how it might work. The uterus is another organ which symbolically represents nurturing. It nurtures the woman's children before they are born and it nurtures her until she is born. Suppose for a moment that a woman develops a conflict regarding her children, they are in trouble with the law, one or more are involved with alcoholism, drugs, abuse, they are hostile or angry at her or they no longer willing to communicate with her. She is unwilling to deal with what has happened so she suppresses her feeling and possibly even blames herself. What if, she is angry at herself, she does not feel nurtured, is in a bad relationship or loveless marriage, if there is spousal abuse, alcoholism, unhappiness over being a woman or she is feeling oppressed and lost. The list is endless for anything that inflicts conflict, anger, guilt, shame, or feeling of sin can rob the woman of self nurturing and hence leads to conflict on an unconscious level.

In the end there may be irregular bleeding (crying, sadness), enlargement of the uterus (need for more nurturing), fibroid tumors (knots or distortion of nurturing, hurt from a partner), pain (anger, hostility, fear, hurt), endometriosis (an outward search for nurturing). In general we could say that the cause is related to denial of ones Self, their internal or external needs, lack of self nurturing or nurturing from a partner, children or family--those who we feel are integrally important to us.

This process also occurs in men and only differs slightly as nurturing conflict affect the prostate gland. It may seem strange to the medical profession that the number of cases of prostate problems and prostate cancer keep rising but not to the healer who understands that the role of man as nurturer of the family, as head of the family has been undermined and now many men are in conflict about who they are and their role in society.

Forgiveness:

Once the sacrifice is made this opens the door to forgiveness. This is absolutely essential for healing and wellness. Physicians, how many times have patients thanked you profusely and told you that after you listened to them, they felt "so much better." Often these patients only took half of the medication that were prescribed for them. Now they not only feel better, but their illness or problems are gone.

Going to the doctors office (the ritual), cost of the office visit (sacrifice), and the taking of the medication, even after only taking a few pills (sacrifice and ritual), and the physician listening to them (absolution or forgiveness) they became better. The combination of the rituals, sacrifices and forgiveness fulfilled the rituals of healing and the acceptance by the physician (or a non-traditional practitioner) allowed them to forgive them self, which ultimately allowed full and complete healing.

How many times have you heard people tell you that accepting Jesus, Buddha or Mohammed cured them - the mysterious element was they forgave themselves often accepting that the God force, represented by the religious figure, has also forgiven them?

Forgiveness means acceptance and acceptance fulfills our need to be nurtured and relieves guilt, it also eliminates feelings of having sinned. This sends positive messenger chemicals to the entire body which act to turn on healing mechanisms and repair and heal injuries.

Summary

When we experience conflict, guilt, threat, fear, anger, rage, hostility, negativity the stress mechanism is activated at first this is good for once activated it prepares the healing and repair systems of the body for first fight or flight and next, for potential injury. Initially this same response also activates the immune system as the immune system and the stress mechanism are essentially one and the same things.

If these conflicts, threats, guilt, anger, rage or hostility are not resolved the stress mechanism/immune system soon become exhausted and overwhelmed and over time parts of the immune system are shut down and illness is allowed to enter into it (bacterial, viral or parasitic infection) or is caused by one part of the body attacking another part of the body (autoimmune diseases). As we suggested earlier the underlying conflict, what we feel guilty about what we feel we have sinned over select out the organs that will most likely become involved.

Mind-body-spirit medicine is an extension of the concept of the physician as the healer. I used to think of it as the horse and buggy doctor, whether you accept or reject this depends on you. Certainly, there is much more that can be said on both sides. Only you can decide what is true for you. In Hawaiian it is said, Malama ola pono, "May your life be in balance."

Iron Deficiency Anemia

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)?

IDA occurs when we have a shortage of the heme form of iron in our body, and we are unable to either make a sufficient amount or decent quality of hemoglobin to carry adequate amounts of oxygen for our bodily needs. Ultimately this creates either a reduced amount or decreased quality of essential hemoglobin and this leads to either 1) a decreased number of red blood cells being manufactured, or 2) a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin within each red blood cell. Iron is also important because it plays an essential role in energy production for the body. It is essential in the formation and use of several enzymes and proteins. Iron also plays an important role in protection against the effects of stress, the proper functioning of the immune system and in our overall well-being.

No matter the cause (and there a number of causes but mostly dietary), IDA can create health problems which can negatively affect you and reduce the quality of your life. When it is very extreme it can on occasion be fatal.

Anemia occurs most commonly in young children (especially, those under two years of age), teenage girls, women of childbearing age, pregnant and breast feeding women and the elderly. In children, iron deficiency and IDA can cause developmental delays and long-term behavioral problems. In pregnant women, it increases the risk of a preterm onset of labor and delivering a below normal birth weight baby. While in the general population, periodic screening has helped reduce the total numbers of individuals suffering from chronic anemia, in women of childbearing age, iron deficiency has remained a significant problem.

If you, your child or spouse suffer from Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) then it must be treated. A normal intake of iron is essential not only for your immune system to function normally, but also to function optimally, at its highest ability to function and protect us from infection and illness.

The symptoms of IDA are basically tied to both our ability to bring adequate oxygen to our body and also to remove carbon dioxide and other toxic chemicals from our body. It is also tied to our immune system and our ability to fight infection and prevent certain illnesses.

IDA can impair our ability to function normally and to perform adequate, even excellent work. In children their ability to perform their school work and maximize their ability to learn what is being taught can be impaired. Our ability to concentrate can be impaired, we can have digestive system problems, increase nervousness and anxiety, tension, and headaches are common.

Increased frequency of colds, flu, bacterial and other viral infections

Feeling tired, fatigued or easy fatigability

Diminished physical capacity or ability to work and function Impaired concentration

Creators of Wellness on the Web

Good Health Is Your Most Valuable Possession. Without good health, life is much less valuable. If you wait until you are already sick, before you start thinking about your health, you have waited much too long. Now, even before you have had a chance to get sick, is the time to start insuring your most prized asset . . . . Your Health!

Visit with us now and learn what you can do to help yourself. Learn how to prevent illness. Learn how to heal illnesses you already suffer from. In the next pages we will provide information about common problems and what you can do about them. Read, down load, enjoy and prosper from the experience.

Allen Lawrence, M.S., M.D. Ph.D.

In 1966 Dr. Lawrence graduated from U.C. Irvine School of Medicine. He performed his internship at U.S.C. County General Hospital in Los Angeles, California. Upon completion of his internship he entered the U.S. Air Force as a Medical Officer. He spent the next two years on the island of Guam working both with military personnel and their wives. Upon discharge from the Air Force he joined a General Practice in Los Angeles for one year. In 1970 he entered a residency training program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars Sinai Medical Center.
Upon completion of my training Dr. Allen Lawrence went into private practice of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the West Los Angeles-Beverly Hills area. He practiced OB-Gyn for the next 11 years. During that time he performed thousands of deliveries. These deliveries not only in the hospital but many hundreds as home deliveries and in later in a non-hospital based birthing center. Throughout this period he never lost a single mother or baby, my C-section rate was a low 5%.

In 1983 he left the practice of OB-Gyn in 1983 after developing a severe and incapacitating heart irregularity. After trying many different combinations of medication he ultimately recognized that his problem was primarily stress-related. Dr. Lawrence spent the next ten years learning about stress, healing, comparative healing systems. Eventually, this quest lead to the realm of prevention and healing people instead of waiting until they became sick to then treat them. In 1980 he earned a Master's Degree in Nutrition and in 1984 a Ph.D. in Psychology.

For a complete resume for Allen Lawrence, M.D., click here.

For a complete list of publications for Drs. Allen and Lisa Robyn Lawrence, click here.

Lisa Robyn Lawrence, M.S., Ph.D.

Lisa RobynLawrence has spent most of her adult life working in the medical profession. In the early 1980's Lisa's Premenstrual Syndrome became a major problem. Lisa, working with Dr. Allen Lawrence, researched the field of PMS. After learning its causes she was able to completely eliminate all of her symptoms. Using this work as her thesis, she was granted a Master of Science in Nutrition in 1984. In 1994 Lisa earned a Ph.D. in Human Ecology.

As Director of Nutritional Counseling Services at Reseda Woman's Center and later at Diversicare Medical Group, Lisa has worked with more than 3,000 women. For more than fifteen years Lisa has had a nutritional practice helping people with problems such as PMS, menopause, pregnancy nutrition, weight reduction, high blood pressure, diabetes and many other nutrition problems.
Besides her nutritional practice Dr. Lisa Lawrence works with men and women counseling them on alternative and natural healing techniques and treats, Stress, Stress-Related Disorders, illnesses either created by stress or made worse by it.

Today Drs. Allen and Lisa live and work together in Desert Hot Springs, California and are Co-Directors of Health Education Associates and Desert Wellness and Healing Seminars providing health education through lecturing, seminars, publishing and the internet. Dr. Allen Lawrence, no longer practice standard Western medicine. They now work with alternative medicine techniques and educate and counsel men and women in wellness and illness prevention. Their work is based on Integration of Mind, Body and Spirit and problem solving to prevent and heal illness, nutrition and lifestyle transformation.

The Lawrences are coauthors of six books, A Doctor's Proven Nutritional Program for Conquering PMS published by Simon and Schuster, Stress Related Disorders, Illness an Intelligent Act of the Body published by ALLME Publishing Co., Huna, Ancient Miracle Healing Practices and the Future of Medicine Published by Hanover House, 30-Days to No More PMS, 30-Days to No mOre PMS, The PMS Cookbook and 30-Days to No More Iron Deficiency Anemia pblished by ALLCO Publishing

For a complete list of publications for Drs. Allen and Lisa Robyn Lawrence, click here.

Metabolic Profile Survey

Metabolic Profile Survey Self-Test

To determine your metabolic-oxidative type, we ask you to first answer all questions below. Please answer them in the following way:

Answer all questions as if you could choose any food you wanted, regardless of what consequences. Choose by what you desire, what would taste good to you and what you would love to eat if you could. Do not worry about what is good or bad for you as this is only a questionnaire and not the real thing.

Choose the answer based on what you really desire not what you think is right or wrong.

For example a question might ask you about eating fatty foods or meats, you might want to answer the question on the basis of what your doctor, mother or father have told or what you read in a magazine about fat, or because you want to limit your dietary fat, because you are against violence to animals, or have chosen to be a vegetarian. However, for the sake of this exercise answer the questions as if none of this existed. Answer only what you would do if you had no constraints on you. This is essential to determining your metabolic-oxidative type.

Print the questionnaire below and then answer the following questions by putting a check (or X) in front of or circling the correct answer in either Column 1, Column 2 or Column 3 .

Make only one selection per category

If no choice applies to you leave that category unchecked or uncircled.

Important: The choices as written may not describe you exactly. So, it s very important that you choose the answer that best describes your tendencies. The answer doesn't need to be a perfect description, just an indication of your trend.

Consider letting a close friend or family member check your answers for accuracy.

Be as honest and accurate as you can. After all, you want to be sure to obtain the right description of your metabolic-oxidative classification.

Some choices in some columns are purposefully left blank.

CHARACTERISTICS

X

COLUMN 1

X

COLUMN 2

X

COLUMN 3

Aging

Look older than others my age

Look younger than others my age

Aloofness

Cool, distant, aloof, loner,
slow to make friends,
hard to get to know

Warm, open, expressive, easily
make friends, approachable

Appetite

Weak, lacking diminished

Strong, excessive, enhanced

Average appetite

Chest Pressure

Tend to get

Climate

Love warm, hot weather

Do well in cold, poor hot

Doesn't matter

Cold Sores and/or
Fever Blisters

Tend to get

Coughing

Tend to cough most every day

Cracking Skin
(any weather)

Tend to get

Dandruff

Tend to get

Desserts

Love sweets, need something sweet with meal to feel satisfied

Don't really care for sweet dessert, but like something fatty or salty (like cheese, chips or popcorn) for snacks after meals.

Please Score Yourself

Now that you have completed the questionnaire it is time to score it and find out what metabolic-oxidation type you are. Please follow the following simple instructions:

Add up the total choices made in each column and enter your total score in the space provided at the end of each column.

If your highest score in one column is 5 points or more higher than both of the other two columns, and

....if you made the most choices in column 1, you are a Slow Oxidizer, Profile #1 person.

...if you made the most choices in column 2, you are a Fast Oxidizer, Profile #2 person.

....if you made the most choices in column 3, you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

If the column with your highest score is less then 6 points higher than both of the other two columns, find your results below.

If column 1 and 2 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

If column 1 and 3 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Slow Oxidizer, Profile #1 person.

If column 2 and 3 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Fast Oxidizer, Profile #2 person.

If all three columns are tied or have scores with 5 points or less difference (e.g. 13, 18, 16) you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

It is quite possible that due to various factors such as time, age, stress and activity levels, etc. that your nutritional needs could change from time to time. Whenever you feel that a change has taken place, redo the questionnaire and see if an actual metabolic-oxidation change has occurred.

This questionnaire and the results obtained are entirely determined by your answers. If you answer incorrectly or your attitudes or appetites change the results of the questionnaire may well also change. It is to be used only as a guide and not as a scientific process. You should become familiar enough with the concepts as discussed in What is Your Oxidation Type? to be able to judge for yourself whether the conclusions determined on this questionnaire are realistic and accurate for you.

One of the main values of determining you metabolic-oxidative typing is that your nutritional needs will be different than those of the other categories. You need for vitamins and minerals will also be different. If you are not feeling as if your health and well-being are not presently optimal for you or if you want to maximize your well-being than you will want to learn more about which vitamins and minerals to take for prevention. If you are not in optimal health than you made need therapeutic dosages of vitamins and minerals to complement your medical treatment. See your section on vitamins, minerals and optimal nutrition.

Psychoneuroimmunolgy (PNI)

Psychoneuroimmunolgy (PNI)

Pyschoneuroimmunology is the study of the interaction of human behavior, mind, body and immune system. In the following documents we intend to present a general discussion of PNI for the lay person. We also have links for an extensive bibliography and to other more definitive source of information on PNI. Join with us now in a voyage into the future, the future of medicine and healing.

Oxidation Self-Test

Oxidation Self-Test

To determine your oxidative type, we ask you to first answer all questions bellow. We want you to answer them in the following way: 1) we want you to answer the questions as if you could choose any food regardless of what consequences you have previously heard. 2) Choose the answer based on what you really desire not what you think is right or wrong. For example a question might ask you if you would like to eat bacon and eggs, you might want to say no because you want to limit your dietary fat or because you are against violence to animals, however, if you would still really want to eat it then answer in accordance, Sometimes or Frequently.

Answer the following questions by putting a check in the box under either S for Sometimes or R for Rarely (or Never) or F for Frequently (or Always).

Respond To These Statements

S

R

F

When I drink tea I prefer it with lemon it

A hamburger sandwich tastes much better with a slice of raw onion on it

I could enjoy eating potatoes in some form two or three times a day

I seem to crave sour-tasting foods

I like raw vegetables such as radishes, green onions, green peppers, and lettuce

Metabolic Profile Survey

Metabolic Profile Survey Self-Test

To determine your metabolic-oxidative type, we ask you to first answer all questions below. Please answer them in the following way:

Answer all questions as if you could choose any food you wanted, regardless of what consequences. Choose by what you desire, what would taste good to you and what you would love to eat if you could. Do not worry about what is good or bad for you as this is only a questionnaire and not the real thing.

Choose the answer based on what you really desire not what you think is right or wrong.

For example a question might ask you about eating fatty foods or meats, you might want to answer the question on the basis of what your doctor, mother or father have told or what you read in a magazine about fat, or because you want to limit your dietary fat, because you are against violence to animals, or have chosen to be a vegetarian. However, for the sake of this exercise answer the questions as if none of this existed. Answer only what you would do if you had no constraints on you. This is essential to determining your metabolic-oxidative type.

Print the questionnaire below and then answer the following questions by putting a check (or X) in front of or circling the correct answer in either Column 1, Column 2 or Column 3 .

Make only one selection per category

If no choice applies to you leave that category unchecked or uncircled.

Important: The choices as written may not describe you exactly. So, it s very important that you choose the answer that best describes your tendencies. The answer doesn't need to be a perfect description, just an indication of your trend.

Consider letting a close friend or family member check your answers for accuracy.

Be as honest and accurate as you can. After all, you want to be sure to obtain the right description of your metabolic-oxidative classification.

Some choices in some columns are purposefully left blank.

CHARACTERISTICS

X

COLUMN 1

X

COLUMN 2

X

COLUMN 3

Aging

Look older than others my age

Look younger than others my age

Aloofness

Cool, distant, aloof, loner,
slow to make friends,
hard to get to know

Warm, open, expressive, easily
make friends, approachable

Appetite

Weak, lacking diminished

Strong, excessive, enhanced

Average appetite

Chest Pressure

Tend to get

Climate

Love warm, hot weather

Do well in cold, poor hot

Doesn't matter

Cold Sores and/or
Fever Blisters

Tend to get

Coughing

Tend to cough most every day

Cracking Skin
(any weather)

Tend to get

Dandruff

Tend to get

Desserts

Love sweets, need something sweet with meal to feel satisfied

Don't really care for sweet dessert, but like something fatty or salty (like cheese, chips or popcorn) for snacks after meals.

Now that you have completed the questionnaire it is time to score it and find out what metabolic-oxidation type you are. Please follow the following simple instructions:

Add up the total choices made in each column and enter your total score in the space provided at the end of each column.

If your highest score in one column is 5 points or more higher than both of the other two columns, and

....if you made the most choices in column 1, you are a Slow Oxidizer, Profile #1 person.

...if you made the most choices in column 2, you are a Fast Oxidizer, Profile #2 person.

....if you made the most choices in column 3, you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

If the column with your highest score is less then 6 points higher than both of the other two columns, find your results below.

If column 1 and 2 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

If column 1 and 3 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Slow Oxidizer, Profile #1 person.

If column 2 and 3 are tied or have less than 5 points difference, you are a Fast Oxidizer, Profile #2 person.

If all three columns are tied or have scores with 5 points or less difference (e.g. 13, 18, 16) you are a Mid Oxidizer, Profile #3 person.

It is quite possible that due to various factors such as time, age, stress and activity levels, etc. that your nutritional needs could change from time to time. Whenever you feel that a change has taken place, redo the questionnaire and see if an actual metabolic-oxidation change has occurred.

This questionnaire and the results obtained are entirely determined by your answers. If you answer incorrectly or your attitudes or appetites change the results of the questionnaire may well also change. It is to be used only as a guide and not as a scientific process. You should become familiar enough with the concepts as discussed in What is Your Oxidation Type? to be able to judge for yourself whether the conclusions determined on this questionnaire are realistic and accurate for you.

One of the main values of determining you metabolic-oxidative typing is that your nutritional needs will be different than those of the other categories. You need for vitamins and minerals will also be different. If you are not feeling as if your health and well-being are not presently optimal for you or if you want to maximize your well-being than you will want to learn more about which vitamins and minerals to take for prevention. If you are not in optimal health than you made need therapeutic dosages of vitamins and minerals to complement your medical treatment. See your section on vitamins, minerals and optimal nutrition.

How Stressed You Are You?

Find Out Just How Stressed You Are

Just How Stressed Are You?

Life is much too complex to avoid being stressed. The real question is not, "Are you stressed?" But rather, "Just how stressed are you?" The value of knowing just how stressed you are, is that once you know, you can start doing something about it. In a sense, if you are handling the stresses of your life well, there is little that you have to do. However, if you are overstressed or not handling them well, then they will begin to take a toll on you, and then your body, mind and spirit will begin to suffer. In our previous article on Stress-Related Disorders we discussed how too much stress, and stress that is not released, can cause illness . In this section we have provided you with an index of how much stress you might be experiencing.

The following test was taken from the University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, August,1985. It was developed by Lyle Miller and Alma Dell Smith of Boston University Medical Center.

Over the years researchers have identified certain factors which they suggest affects one's vulnerability to be stressed -- two very important factors are our eating and sleeping habits, caffeine and alcohol intake, and how we express our emotions. The following questionnaire is designed to help you identify how stressed you might be. It can also help you to identify your own personal stressors.

The test is taken by rating each item on a scale of 1 being Always to 5 being Never. To do this you must evaluate the question on the basis of how often or how much of the time these statement are specifically true for you.

Mark each item, even if it does not seem to apply to you directly -- for example, if you don't drink alcohol, check off 1 next to item 7.

Always

Sometimes

Never

1. Do you eat at least one hot, balanced meal a day.

1

2 3 4

5

2. Do you get seven to eight hours of sleep at least four nights a week.

1

2 3 4

5

3. Do you give and receive affection regularly.

1

2 3 4

5

4. Do you have at least one relative within 50 miles, on whom you can and do rely upon.

1

2 3 4

5

5. Do you exercise to the point of perspiration at least twice a week.

1

2 3 4

5

6. Do you limit yourself to less than half a pack of cigarettes a day.

1

2 3 4

5

7. Do you take fewer than five alcoholic drinks a week.

1

2 3 4

5

8. Are you the appropriate weight for your height.

1

2 3 4

5

9. Do you have an income adequate to meet basic needs.

1

2 3 4

5

10. Do you get strength from your religious beliefs.

1

2 3 4

5

11. Do you regularly attend club or social activities.

1

2 3 4

5

12. Do you have a network of friends and acquaintances.

1

2 3 4

5

13. Do you have one or more friends to confide in about personal matters.

1

2 3 4

5

14. Are you in good health (including eyesight, hearing, teeth.

1

2 3 4

5

15. Are you able to speak openly about your feelings when angry or worried.

1

2 3 4

5

16. Do you have regular conversations with the people you live with about domestic problems –
for example, chores and money.

1

2 3 4

5

17. Do have fun and enjoy yourself at least once a week.

1

2 3 4

5

18. Are you able to organize your time effectively.

1

2 3 4

5

19. Do you drink fewer than three cups of coffee (or other caffeine-rich drinks) a day.

1

2 3 4

5

20. Do you take some quiet time for yourself during the day.

1

2 3 4

5

To determine your level of stress all you need to do is to add up your numbers for each of the questions and then subtract 20.

Total Always ____________

Total Sometimes ____________

Total Never ____________

Total of all Numbers ____________ -20 = Final Total ____________

Scoring Yourself and Determining Your Stress Level:

A score below 10 suggests that you handle your stresses well or that there is little going on in your life to stress you.

A score over 30 suggests that you have some vulnerability to stress.

If you score is over 50 then you are seriously vulnerable to stress and you should be doing something to lower your stress levels.

If you have scored 3 or higher on any question this is an indication that you have a problem that must be looked and dealt with.

It is also likely that these identifiable stressors are also situations or behaviors which you do not have control over in your life. These areas must be altered. Generally, it is best to make a list of these items and then rate them as to how hard or easy it will before you to change these items. For example, if you smoke 2 packs a day and need smoking to control your daily stresses, do not start here. But, if your day is usually disorganized, and by buying a Daily Organizer you can organize it and bring it under control, do that first. Spend your first efforts on those things that are easiest to change. As you eliminate problems from your list, you are learning how to solve problems and are reducing your stress levels.

Hypoglycemia In Diabetes

Hypoglycemia In Diabetes

The most common cause of hypoglycemia is as a complication of diabetes. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot use glucose for fuel because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective. As a result, glucose builds up in the blood instead of getting into body cells.

The aim of treatment in diabetes is to lower high blood sugar levels. To do this, people with diabetes may use insulin or oral drugs, depending on the type of diabetes they have or the severity of their condition. Hypoglycemia occurs most often in people who use insulin to lower their blood sugar. All people with insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM or Type I) and some people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM or Type II) use insulin. People with Type II diabetes who take oral hypoglycemic agents are also vulnerable to low blood sugar episodes.

Conditions that can lead to hypoglycemia in people with diabetes include taking too much medication, missing or delaying a meal, eating too little food for the amount of insulin taken, exercising too strenuously, drinking too much alcohol, or any combination of these factors. People who have diabetes often refer to hypoglycemia as an "insulin reaction."

Managing hypoglycemia requires guidelines on target blood sugar ranges that are best for their specific individual needs. The lowest safe blood sugar level for an individual varies, depending on the person's age, medical condition, and ability to sense hypoglycemic symptoms. A target range that is safe for a young adult with no diabetes complications, for example, may be too low for a young child or an older person who may have other medical problems.

Because they are attuned to the symptoms, diabetics can usually recognize when their blood sugar levels are dropping too low. They can treat themselves quickly by eating or drinking something with sugar in it such as candy, juice, or non-diet soda. Taking glucose tablets or gels (available in drug stores) is another convenient and quick way to treat hypoglycemia.

IDDM diabetics are most vulnerable to severe insulin reactions, which can cause loss of consciousness. A few individuals with long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes may develop a condition known as hypoglycemia unawareness, in which they have difficulty recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar. For emergency use in patients with IDDM. Their physicians may prescribe an injectable form of the hormone glucagon. A glucagon injection (given by another person) quickly eases the symptoms of low blood sugar, releasing a burst of glucose into the blood.

Emergency medical help may be needed if the diabetic does not recover in a few minutes after treatment for hypoglycemia. A person suffering a severe insulin reaction may require admission to a hospital to stabilize their blood sugar.

The type 1 diabetic can reduce or prevent episodes of hypoglycemia by monitoring their blood sugar levels frequently and learning to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar and the situations that may trigger it. They should consult their doctor for advice about the best way to treat low blood sugar. Friends and relatives should know about the symptoms of hypoglycemia and how to treat it in case of emergency.

Episodes of hypoglycemia in people with IDDM may become more common now that research has shown that carefully controlled blood sugar helps prevent the complications of diabetes. Keeping blood sugar in a close-to-normal range requires multiple injections of insulin each day or use of an insulin pump, frequent testing of blood glucose, a diet and exercise plan, and guidance from health care professionals.

The safest range is to keep blood sugar between 70 mg/dl and 130 mg/dl. The highest level should go no higher than 150 mg/dl.

Type I Diabetes

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes: Type I Diabetes

What Is Insulin-Dependent Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease that affects the way your body uses food. Insulin-dependent diabetes, also called type I diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM, for short) is a classification of diabetes where the individual requires use of injectable insulin to allow control and maintenance of normal blood sugar levels. Generally there are two types of type I diabetics 1) those who develop diabetes in childhood, from birth or in the first few years of life, and 2) those individuals who develop diabetes in adulthood, but prior to age 30.

Type I diabetes, it is generally agreed begins when the body stops making insulin or can only make a very small amount, amounts insufficient to manage the breakdown of blood sugar. Our body needs insulin in order to use food as a source of energy and to breakdown blood sugar for energy. When the amount of insulin made it much less than needed, blood sugar levels increase to abnormal levels and the individual becomes a diabetic. When this happens prior to age 30 and cannot be treated adequately with oral anti-diabetic agents insulin must be given by injection to control the blood sugar and normalize its levels.

Without insulin, our body cannot control its blood levels of blood sugar. Without insulin, we would eventually become very sick and die. People with type I diabetes generally must give themselves at least one or more shot of insulin each and every day of their life.

Type I diabetes usually strikes children and young adults. It used to be called juvenile-onset diabetes. However, even though it more likely to occur before the age of 30, it can occur at any age, even into the 70's and 80's. Its only requirement is that insulin is required to maintain adequate blood sugar levels.

More than 300,000 Americans suffer from type I diabetes. This is about 10 percent of all Americans diagnosed who are each year diagnosed as having diabetes.

Why Must Insulin Be Given By Injection?

You must inject insulin under the skin --into fatty area of the body -- for it to be able to work. Insulin cannot take in a pill form. The digestive juices in your stomach would destroy oral insulin before it could even start to work. Scientists are looking for new ways to give insulin. But today, shots are the only reliable method for administration.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Type I Diabetes?

Type I diabetes often appears suddenly. Signs and symptoms are:

High levels of sugar in the blood.

High levels of sugar in the urine.

Frequent urination (and/or bed-wetting in children).

Extreme hunger.

Extreme thirst.

Extreme weight loss.

Weakness and tiredness.

Feeling edgy and having mood changes.

Feeling sick to your stomach and vomiting.

What Causes Type I Diabetes?

We do not know exactly what causes diabetes. We do know that most people who suffer from diabetes seem to have inherited a tendency to get diabetes. However, not all people who have this tendency or family history will actually become a diabetic. Therefore, other factors such as illnesses, dietary and/or nutritional deficiencies must come into play for diabetes to begin.

Diabetes is not like a cold. Your friends and family cannot catch it from you. You cannot give it to someone except through your genes.

What Does Living With Diabetes Mean?

People with type I diabetes can and generally do live happy, healthy lives. The key to ensuring this is to carefully and directly follow a diabetes treatment plan. The goal of this plan is to keep your blood-sugar level as close to normal as possible (this is often referred to as maintaining a good blood-sugar control). This treatment plan generally includes:

The right type and combination of insulin, that is the combination that is able to lower blood sugar and maintain it as close as possible to the normal range for blood sugar in non-diabetic individuals. To accomplish this, your health care practitioner will work with you to teach you how to determine how much insulin you need, the types of insulin and when you should take your insulin.

Diet is extremely important. Food, which raises blood sugar levels must be regulated and even, if necessary restricted, as part of any program to control blood sugar levels. Most people with Type I diabetes have a meal plan. This plan indicates how much and what types of foods can be safely eaten, when are the best times to eat and how much food can safely be eaten. While most people are allowed a minimum of three meals a day, others must also have at least one or two snacks every day to off set effects of insulin, maintain a constant blood sugar level and prevent episodes of low blood sugar, hypoglycemia. The meal plan should be set up to make sure that you have plenty of good healthy foods and foods that you enjoy.

Exercise, is extremely important in maintain blood sugar levels and keeping the diabetic fit and healthy. Like insulin, exercise also helps maintain the body's to use blood sugar. Exercise will probably be prescribed as part of a well-rounded plan. Your exercise levels should fit and effectively safely into your daily routine.

Blood and urine testing. Testing your blood lets you know if your blood-sugar level is high, low, or near normal. The tests are simple. You prick your finger to get a drop of blood. A new diabetic often needs to learn how to do this test and use their test results correctly. If you are poorly controlled, you may need to periodically test your urine for ketones. The presence of ketones in your urine will let you know that your diabetes is not under good control.

Problems You May Have

Type I diabetes can cause problems that you should be prepared for. There are three key problems:

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar; sometimes called an insulin reaction. This occurs when your blood sugar drops too low. You correct this problem by eating some sugar (such as 3 glucose tablets, 6 ounces of regular soda, or 5 or 6 Lifesavers). You should learn how to recognize the signs of hypoglycemia and how to treat it.

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. This occurs when your blood sugar is too high. It can be a sign that diabetes is not well controlled. You should learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia and the best way to treat it.

Ketoacidosis, or diabetic coma. This is very serious. Once again it is important for you and your closest family members to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of ketoacidosis and what to do about it.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Home Page

Chickenpox and Pregnancy

Chickenpox and Pregnancy

Chicken pox (Varicella Zoster) is a virus which belongs to the herpes virus family. It is highly contagious and transmitted by respiratory droplets and close personal contact to those who are already infected. The incubation period of chicken pox is 10-20 days from the day of exposure. While the fact that you have been exposed to chicken pox does not absolutely mean that you will get it, it is serious enough if you are pregnant to see your doctor and let him or her know about the exposure AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

The initial infection with chicken pox is characterized by fever (101 to 103), tiredness and fatigue and a characteristic rash which is very itchy. This characteristic rash develops as a series of red spots which soon become vesicular (blister-like) and finally scab and crust over before healing. The incubation period is 7-21 days and the disease is infectious 1 to 2 days before the rash appears and lasts until all of the vesicles crust over. Characteristically the vesicles form in several waves (or crops) of lesions at 3 to 5 day intervals for up[ to 14 days.

Chickenpox is a common disease of childhood where it causes a mild infection. Over 80% of all adult's are already immune hence will not get chicken pox again. When exposure to chicken pox occurs during pregnancy it can be a great cause of worry. Fortunately, however chicken pox infection is uncommon in pregnant woman occurring in only one out of every 2000 pregnancies. Yet, when it does happen the results can be disastrous.

Chicken pox infection during pregnancy can be associated with three possible outcomes:

1. Maternal Infection: Chicken pox can be more severe in adults and particularly during pregnancy. Varicella Pneumonia can occurs in approximately 10% of cases when it occurs during pregnancy. This pneumonia can become severe enough to end up requiring assisted breathing and up to 6% of women die.

2. Congenital Varicella Syndrome: This condition is secondary to initial chicken pox infection. It occurs primarily in women who are 24 weeks of pregnancy or less. This syndrome affects the developing fetus causing one or more of the following skin scarring; eye defects (smaller than normal eyes, blindness and/or cataracts), deformities of the child's limbs; and neurological abnormalities (microcephaly, cortical atrophy, mental retardation and malfunction of ability to maintain contests of the bowel and bladder).

There may be an increased risk of spontaneous miscarriage The intrauterine diagnosis of congenital Varicella Syndrome can be made by ultrasound. An increased amount of amniotic fluid with increased echos in the area of the liver and problems with the heart, enlargement of spleen and liver and respiratory problems may be seen, when the ultrasound is performed as little as five weeks after the chicken pox infection. There is virtually no congenital abnormalities created if infection occurs after 20 weeks of pregnancy

3. Varicella Infection of the Newborn: The passage of the virus to the fetus appears to increase as the pregnancy advances. At least 50% of all fetuses are infected when maternal infection occurs one to four weeks before delivery and one third of these babies develop clinical chicken pox despite high levels of passive antibody formed by the mother. It takes at least a week for the mother to pass the protective antibodies to her baby, if the baby is born before that time, the baby is at risk of overwhelming infection after birth. In such situations the baby may demonstrate no clinical evidence of chicken pox infections at birth, but then can develop chicken pox during the first three to four weeks of its life. Twenty to thirty percent of all infants will die if the mother's infection occurs between 5 to 7 days before delivery and up to one month days after delivery.

Immunization

Women who are planning to become pregnant and who have not had chicken pox or are at risk. These women should consider immunization with live attenuated chicken pox vaccine which has been shown to be safe and effective in preventing chickenpox prior to pregnancy. If chicken pox vaccine is not available and the mother to be has not had chicken pox, strict avoidance of anyone with chicken, children or adult's, or anyone who have been exposed to chicken pox over one week earlier or less than 21 days, or who experience any unknown rash or open vesicles is strongly recommended.

If You Are Pregnant and You Believe That You Have Been Exposed to Chicken Pox:

It is very important to determine the certainty of your exposure, the stage of infectiousness (vesicular rash or development of rash within 48 hours of contact) and the degree of exposure (household member, face-to-face contact for five minutes or more, or indoors contact for more than one hour).

If you have a previous history of chicken pox it is reasonable to believe that you have some form of immunity to a chicken pox infection. However, if there is any doubt have your doctor determine your Varicella IgG levels to find out whether you are protected or not.

If you have had a significant contact (see #1 above) and you have no history of having had chicken pox, then Varicella IgG level should be checked immediately. At least 85% of women will be positive and can be reassured. You can also save time by asking your doctor to do a varicella titer as part of your prenatal work up.

If you are not immune to varicella and the infection occurs before 24 weeks' gestation, then you should be given Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin (dosage given is based on age, size and weight) as soon as possible after contact.

Detection of Varicella IgM in your blood indicates a primary chicken pox infection. If you develop primary chicken pox or you show serologic evidence of conversion in the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, then you will likely have a 2% risk of Congenital Varicella Infection and will need to be aware of the implications.

Referral to a specialist for detailed ultrasound examination at 16-24 weeks' gestation or five weeks after infection, whichever is the sooner, should be considered.

Neonatal ophthalmic examination should be performed at birth.

If there is no previous history of chicken pox and the contact occurs after 24 weeks, there is no risk of Congenital Varicella Infection, but the risk of maternal varicella pneumonia remains. In these circumstances the administration of Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin should be considered, although the evidence to support its use is not strong.

What Should You Do if You Are Already Pregnant and You Develop Chickenpox?

You should immediately isolate yourself from all other pregnant women and newborns.

If you are in the second half of your pregnancy call your doctor immediately...do not go to your doctor's office if you have chicken pox, this can expose other pregnant women and put them at similar risk ... If you can be seen within less than 24 hours after the chicken pox rash breaks out, then you can start the antiviral medication, acyclovir. This may reduce the severity and duration of the illness. There are some risks to your unborn baby when acyclovir is used in the first trimester, however, the risks of congenital deformities caused by chicken pox must also be considered.

If you chicken pox infection occurs five days before or two days after delivery there is a 20%-30% risk of you baby having chicken pox. If at all possible, your delivery should be delayed until 5-7 days after the onset of maternal illness to allow for passive transfer of antibodies from you to your baby.

If your delivery occurs within five days of maternal infection, or if you develop a chicken pox infection within two days of giving birth, then your baby should be given Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin as soon as it is possible.

If your baby is infected with chicken pox he or she should be treated with acyclovir as soon as is possible.

If you develop any respiratory symptoms, if the lesions are dense and bleed, or if new lesions continue to develop six days or more after their onset, you should be hospitalized and an Infectious Diseases specialist should be consulted immediately.

Varicella pneumonia is an indication for treatment with intravenous acyclovir. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to consider mechanical ventilation. In the third trimester of pregnancy this may be facilitated by delivery, but elective delivery at this time will be associated with a high risk of your baby being exposed to and coming down with chicken pox without adequate immunity.

What Other Considerations Should I Be Concerned With?

On occasion an other child in the home may have chicken pox about the time you and your baby are to come home from the hospital. If you are immune to chicken pox the risk to your new baby is minimal. If you are not already immune, both you and your baby should be given Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin.

You and your baby (and anyone else in the house who has not had chicken pox) should be isolated from the individual with chicken pox.

Anyone who is thought (or known by previous testing) to be "not immune" should avoid contact with individual who has chicken pox. Those who are exposed, should be tested for varicella antibodies, and if found to be susceptible should be warned they may develop chicken pox. They should be informed that the incubation period is between two and three weeks.

Antibiotics are never prescribed to treat chicken pox infection because it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics may be used, however, if you or your child develop a secondary infection caused by a bacteria.

Chicken pox is treated much the same way it is in children with Tylenol used for the control of any fever, calamine lotion, anesthetic creams and/or Benadryl for control of itching. Aspirin may be used by adults as they are not susceptible to Reye's Syndrom, but should not be used when treating children.

Chicken pox can last longer in adults and may be more problematic with the risk of pneumonia, skin infections with staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria causing a cellulitis, pitted pox-like scars, and a rare complication (1 in 1000 cases of chicken pox) encephalitis.

If Varicella Immune Globulin (also called Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin) is given immediately after exposure (and it must be given not later than 10 days after exposure), the risk of both mother and child coming down with chicken pox can be greatly reduced. While this may not entirely stop the occurrence of varicella or eliminate the risk of Congenital Varicella Syndrome, it can however, reduce the risk to both mother and baby. The use of Varicella-Zoster Immune Globulin should always be considered AS SOON AS exposure to the varicella virus is recognized.

All women who are either about to become pregnant or during early pregnancy should be tested for varicella antibodies and if negative and exposed to varicella should immediately be given Varicella Immune Globulin.

Any woman who comes down with varicella within one week of delivery to one month afterwards should also be given Varicella Immune Globulin.

Important:If you or your child have chicken pox do not just go to your doctor's office without first calling and talking to the doctor. You could expose a pregnant woman or other children waiting to be seen and this could be disastrous. Since you can easily make a diagnosis of Chicken Pox by the rash and symptoms, a trip to the doctors office can be dangerous to others and provide no advantage to you or your child. Please understand and respect this as you would want other s to be considerate of you and your family.

Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes

Heart Disease, Stroke and Diabetes

Diabetes has a significant negative impact on the risk of heart disease and stroke. Simply being a diabetic, increases the risk of heart attack or stroke significantly.

The mechanism of heart attack and stroke is based around the defect that causes the diabetes itself. In diabetes there is a deficiency either in the production of insulin or in the ability of the body to utilize it. Insulin is important to the body's ability to utilize blood sugar and as insulin fails blood sugar rises. As blood sugar rises, fat levels in the blood also rise, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and hence, heart disease and stroke.

Contrary to the issues of gender (which we will discuss in the section on Age, Gender and Hereditary Risk Factors in Uncontrollable Risk Factors in Heart Disease and Stroke section of the What Are My Risks of Suffering From Heart Attack or Stroke?) diabetic women have a fivefold risk of heart attack or stroke as compared to men who have a twofold risk as compared to the general population of non diabetics.

Reduction of heart attack risk in diabetics is primarily based on control of the diabetes. The basic medical strategy is to get the diabetes under control using oral antidiabetic medication in the Type II, Adult Onset Diabetics and injectable insulin in the Type I, Juvenile Diabetics. Generally, a diabetic diet is also prescribed at the same time. Weight control and exercise are also important parts of any good treatment program. Finally, if the diabetic is a smoker, giving up smoking is essential for obtaining best results.

In theory this type of program is the best that there is. In practice, however, this approach really only work in the hands of the most motivated individuals and physicians. In our practice we added vitamin-mineral supplements such as magnesium, chromium, zinc, manganese which are essential for insulin and blood sugar metabolism. In many cases we were able to help diabetics who have been difficult, and even impossible to control for many years to get their diabetes under control quite rapidly. Most were soon able to even keep their blood sugar levels entirely within the ideal range indefinitely. Many of these people were even able to get off of their oral antidiabetic medication entirely. Many type I diabetics were able to reduce their insulin requirements and maintain their blood sugars within the optimal range.

What is Optimal Diabetic Control?

For best results blood sugars should be below 150 mg/dL, some Diabeticians are now even suggesting that blood sugar should be below 140 mg/dL. It is best if fasting blood sugars are in the 70 to 110 mg d/L range. At this range blood lipid levels are not increased substantially, in otherwise normal men and women. The risks of diabetic neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, retinal disease, kidney disease are also reduced significantly.

Diabetics with blood sugars greater than 150 mg/dL are generally considered to be "out of control." As blood sugar rises the risk of the conditions described above also rise.

Introduction to PNI

Introduction to Psychoneuroimmunology

Definition of PNI

Psychoneuroimmunology, often referred to as PNI, is the study of interactions between ones perception of the world around them, their behavior, the way their brain functions, and their immune system. The field of PNI studies the measurable interaction between psychological and physiological processes. The psychological portion is the Psycho aspect, the central nervous system aspect is the Neuro aspect, there is an endocrine system aspect, and the body's defense against external infection and aberrant cell division is the Immunology aspect.

The Dualistic Medical Systems

Today the immune system is no longer regarded as autonomous and separated from the mind and external events. With the emergence of PNI we begin to see the rise of a new paradigm relating to the practice of medicine. This new paradigm for the first time integrates the previously dualistic concepts of mind and body. It introduces a new concept where mind and body interact as one,each affecting the other. To date, evidence regarding this mind-body-immune system interaction has been collected with regard to the role of nerve fibers in lymphatic tissues, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, the effects of brain lesions on the immune system, the interplay of neurotransmitters, hormones and immunotransmitters. It is being used in research and treatment of AIDS, cancer and bacterial and viral infectious processes. Other researchers are looking at its effects in classic learning and conditioning, the development of the immune system, the impact of experimental and naturally occurring stressors on the immune system, the immune modulating effects of personality characteristics, life style and psychodynamic processes. In the future,research will likely be extended into many new areas including psychotherapy, pregnancy, illness prevention and healing to name only a few.

PNI appears to go beyond the present narrow biological perspectives of illness to consider behavioral components as an integral part of health and disease. The conceptualization of the role of human behavior and how it interacts with the central nervous system and the immune system are central issues. Psychoneuroimmunology is thus an arena in which questions about the mind,body and person in context of each other come to the fore.

Research is often driven by attempts to define the extremely complex (and non-linear)relationships between behavioral and biological dimensions of 'immune system.' Today researchers operate under disciplinary, institutional, and funding constraints, which tend to work against PNI research. These tend to maintain the status quo, as well as inhibit the development of competing and radical models within the field psychoneuroimmunology itself. This slows research down and tends to keep it out of the mainstream of medicine.

PNI is a new field having begun in the late 1960's. Over the last 30 years, the body of knowledge in PNI has emerged and in the last 10 years has flourished. PNI is still in its infancy. It is by no means proven as a fact, yet there is growing evidence that it is and will continue to be an important new discipline.

Bidirectional Feedback Loop

Disciplines as diverse and different as anatomy to psychology have demonstrated that the immune system is the target of signals from both the brain and the endocrine system. Findings also suggest that a bidirectional feedback loop exists between the brain, the body, its tissues, the stress mechanism and the immune system. This means that ultimately our past experiences, our present behavior, what we think and believe all have impact on the body, and its immune system and vice versa.

The existence of this bidirectional communication pathway between the brain, the body and the immune system is maintained by neuron activity, neurochemicals, hormones and various other molecules such as peptides, endorphins, enkephalins and cytokines. They carry messages from the brain to the immune system and from the immune system back to the brain.

Characteristics of PNI

The overall implications are that processes can alter immune functions and that events that occur as part of immune responses can modulate our behavior. Evidence for influences in both of these directions is presently being collected and evaluated. The psychological modulation of immunity generally focuses on classical conditioning and stress, whereas that of immune modification of behavior highlights behavioral effects produced by substances released from the immune system. The ultimate implication of this work suggests that we are due for a major shift in the way we think, and the practice medicine and the healing arts.

In the time allotted it would be impossible to present a detailed discussion of this burgeon field.Instead, my intention is to present an overview of this new field for the generalist, whether in the medical, psychological, social or behavioral realm. PNI either is already affecting you or will in then ear future.

Neuroendocrine Interaction with the Immune System

One of the primary areas of study is the relationship between stress and the immune, defensive,repair and healing systems of the body. It is this area which is probably best understood at this time.

When we get angry, our entire body responds, it instantaneously becomes tense and we move toward Fight or Flight. When we are happy, our entire body becomes happy.

In our old system of thinking such responses were thought to start off as electrical impulses from the brain to various parts of the body. That is, instructions in the form of electrical impulses were sent by means of the nervous system to innervate various tissues. It was, and in fact, still is believed that the nerve ending or synapse played the largest role in this process by releasing chemicals which are ultimately responsible for all changes which occur in anatomy and physiology.

While this concept has not really changed, PNI has added to it. We now know that the process is more complex then this alone. Besides electrical stimulation there is also release of neurochemicals that travel along nerve tissues, other neurochemicals are released into the blood stream, our hormonal system also plays a significant role, and other chemical and yet undetermined messengers appear to have specific tasks of carrying messages to every part of the body.

To simplify the language, since I do not have time to go through all of the various ways that the body can communicate with itself. I will refer to all of the various mechanisms as messenger pathways and messengers regardless of what these processes or pathways are.

These messengers and their specific pathways have some important properties that tell us that something quite remarkable is occurring. We know that they are not simply "neutral actions." That is, these messengers are not simply general messengers that bring chemical or electrical stimulation from one place to another.

They are quite specific. There are messengers which transmit happiness, joy and positive feelings and there are messengers that transmit fear, activate the Stress Mechanism, or create depression.The old model of too much of one chemical or another causing a particular effect will likely be replaced by a more complex model of interaction between the various stimulating and inhibiting messengers.

In a sense the body, mind and psychology are the result of a symphony, and not simply a three or four-piece ensemble. This concept was known by the ancient healers who talked about it in the form of spirits, of various shades of good and evil.

It can also be seen clearly in the humoral concept of that held sway on the healing arts for hundreds of years. Man was seen as responding to interaction of various humors. They accounted for changes in emotion, for anger, rage, for love, caring, melancholia and depression, for humor and for illness. Almost anything could happen when the humors were out of balance. While these humors did not entirely answer what we needed to know, they were an attempt to understand how and why we acted the way we did. In a sense they were not entirely wrong, for we are a blending of the interaction of many chemical, electric and other processes that ultimately make us the sum total of who and what we are.

We have come along way since belief in the humoral concepts of healing, yet as things often have a tendency to make complete circles we are now once again recognizing that we are not linear but rather a more integrated or Holistic, as many people are now calling it, construction.

Responding To Our Environment

To understand this better lets look at this concept on the macro level. While we can choose just about any organ system as an example, I think that most people associate PNI with the interaction of mind, brain, body and the Stress Mechanism.

Let's look at an example:

You are out shopping late at your local mall you are supposed to meet a friend. You are waiting at the predetermined site when you see a shadow moving toward you. Simultaneously you may feel joy that your friend is coming and fear that it could be a stranger who means harm to you. In this case messengers of joy or happiness are being released and messengers of fear are also being released. The stress mechanism is also activated, while at the same time your positive expectations create a sense anticipation. All of these feelings and sensation can be happening simultaneously.You experience waves of positive, negative or neutral, and sensations of anxiety and anticipation.

While all this is going on, it is no coincidence that you are also thinking. You may at first feel relieved your friend is coming, "Oh, there he is, he is late!" You may have doubts, "Is that my friend?" "If not, who could it be?" The figure is the right size and shape so you reassure yourself,"That's him, I am sure." But he is walking slowly and you would think that your friend would be moving faster or calling out to you. "Maybe that's not him." "If it is not him, who could it be?"

The interaction of mind, our thoughts and the sense of how we think it is supposed to be, I will call this our "picture of the experience," come together along with body chemistry to create us to be what we are at any given moment. In this example, I am mixing positive, negative and neutral simply to be able to introduce these concepts all at the same time. In real life, however, most of what we experience is a combination of these three types of emotions.

Generally, there are two ways this works:

1) An external event occurs ---> Through our memories of the past, prior decisions and beliefs we have already created a picture of the way we expect things to be. When the external events either support or conflict with this picture which we have already accepted as real ---> Positive or negative messengers are released to inform the entire body ---> There is a physical, mental,emotional and possibly even spiritual response to these events which is mediated by our past experience, what we think and what we believe.

When this process relates to an event which is external to us, and when it is negative, we refer to it as a stressor. This stressor can also come from within and be an internal stress or such as a thought, a remembrance, a fear or a faulty belief system. Remember, stress can be both positive and negative so a reaction can also arise from something that is happening to us that is positive. For example, a pleasurable feeling, getting what we desire or even an internal joke.

We hold a significant number of specific and general pictures, sets of belief systems, of how we desire or expect things to be. When an event (or stressor) occurs we will likely react to it in either positive or negative way or somewhere in between. Our mind/brain and not the actual event,makes the decision as to what the unfolding event means to us and then tells our body how to respond to it. In the example, the question was whether the shadowy figure was or was not a friend. When you thought the figure to be a friend, positive messengers were released. When you thought the figure to be a menace negative messengers were released and the Stress Mechanism was activated. In any case, the entire body was being informed about what was happening and it was waiting, as you and I were, to find out who the figure really was.

2) The picture of the way we expect things to be already exists ---> an event occurs and depending upon whether the event is positive or negative ---> it causes the release of messengers ---> there is a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual response to the event.

In the first case presented the event occurred randomly without our being ready for it. It just happens. In the second case, we were already expecting something to happen and we had a preconceived notion of what we wanted to happen. In both situation what happens, happens and we are left to deal with it through already set pathways using the PNI mechanism and at times the Stress Mechanism, if it is perceived as a threat.

What then is actually happening? To understand this process lets look at one more schematic of the events:

Our past experiences and memories ---> Cause us to create beliefs or a picture of the way we expect things to be ---> this affects our ultimate mind/brain interaction ---> and hence our mind,body response.

Now when an event occurs: ----->

Responding to Our Internal Environment

We respond to it depending on our beliefs and memories. When the event is perceived as a threat,we experience fear, apprehension and the Stress Mechanism may be activated. If the event is perceived as positive, we experience an entirely different set of feelings, emotions and body responses. The key point to remember here, is that the immune system is also simultaneously affected. The immune system is turned on and off, activated and deactivated depending on the variables we have already outlined. When messages are mixed the response of the immune system,may well also become mixed and its ability to respond, confused.

Systems Involved

We have already discussed most of the systems involved in this process. At this point I want to direct your attention to item #5.

Adequate Nutrition and Normal Body Chemistry: We know that when there isinadequate nutrition, illness, mental instability, or chemical imbalances this can affect the process described above and create faulty responses at all levels including within the immune system. Our state of physical being can affect the direction of these interactions and the end result of what is perceived and how we act.

What is Stress and How Does It Relate To the PNI Process?

One of the focal points of this fledgling branch of science is its ability to link stress and disease.We can now begin to pinpoint changes in hormonal flow as well as the various messengers and messenger pathways within the body to and from immune system cells. We can also associate these phenomena with specific responses involved in both the creation and healing of many illnesses. The stress hormones can change immune cell behavior and the activity of the entire immune system. The immune system cells actually have receptors which as Margaret Kemeny a Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA says, "hear" the signals and allow nervous, endocrine and immune systems to "talk" with each other and the rest of our body.

What is Stress?

Stress is an inborn biologic mechanism which exists in all living creatures. Its purpose is to protect the organism and to ensure its survival and the survival of our species.

The Stress Mechanism, also thought of as the survival instinct, operates through a concept which is often referred to as Fight or Flight.

When threatened the individual may have little or no time to think or plan. Nature understood this and gave us the ability to either turn and fight the threat, or to run from it.

In our modern society threats are everywhere, however, we are rarely able to attack or run.

Hence, we most often respond by creating what we think of as stress and now we know that stress can and does affect our body and our immune system in both positive and negative ways.

Selye General Adaption Model

The term stress was first coined in response to the work of Hans Selye and his General Adaption Model. Selye had noticed that when humans were stressed for prolonged periods of time they demonstrated characteristic internal responses affecting the hormonal system and the stomach,thymus glands, lymphoid tissues and white blood cells. These are the organs of stress. Notice the similarity between Selye's General Adaption Model and what we have talked about PNI so far.The only difference is that PNI tells us that these organs and cellular components communicate back with the brain.

The Stress Cascade

There are three major aspects to stress.

First, is the stressor event which poses a real or imagined threat to our internal or external well-being. The event can be life threatening or can instead be only interpreted by the individual as life threatening. That is, it is interpreted as a threat to our picture of the way we see our life. For example, a pile of bills can act to be threatening to the way an individual sees his or her future.

Second, there is a complex series of internal chemical, neurologic and hormonal changes that are automatically set in motion which I like to refer to as the Stress Cascade. Again, notice the similarity to what we have already discussed.

These events occur below the level of our control and result in physical, emotional and mental alterations which are directed at preparing the individual for self defense.

Once initiated, this process can only be stopped by eliminating the threat. Only then can the Stress Mechanism be released come to a natural conclusion.

The Stress Mechanism can also be released when the individual is able to recognize that the events in question are no longer or never were life threatening.

Since the overall goal of the Stress Mechanism is to ensure our survival, when any event (threatening or not) occurs in our direct life space, the very first thing our body/mind does is to check all past experiences, including our genetic codes (our species specific and collective unconscious memories) and our personal learned experiences to determine whether the event occurring is a threat. If it is threatening in any way, the Stress Mechanism is triggered. If it is not,we may never even know that the event took place. I have named this action the Survival Center.This may be where all PNI phenomena begin and ultimately end.

The neuro/electric/hormonal/biochemical aspects of the Stress Mechanism are the same as those of the PNI response. You could essentially say, they are the same mechanism.

Stress Hormones

To support this lets look for a second, at the stress organs, and their hormones. Once again, notice the similarities to the PNI mechanism.

The Stress organs are the Hypothalamus and Pituitary gland, Adrenal Glands, Thyroid, Thymus and Reproductive glands. They communicate through hormonal feedback systems and there is sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system involvement.

Adrenalin turns on the Inflammatory System, the Defensive Systems and Immune Systems of the body to prepare it for external invasion and possible injury. The inflammatory mechanism is the first step of repairing any injury that might occur should an injury result from Fight or flight.

Cortisol, on the other hand, stimulates the Anti-Inflammatory mechanism which turns off the Inflammatory mechanism once healing and repair are in process.

These two hormones also affect sugar metabolism and the blood clotting mechanisms of the body.

They also have an effect on the blood pressure control mechanisms of the body, cholesterol manufacturing, renal function, blood flow to the digestive and muscular systems, as well as many cardiovascular functions including blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm.

They affect the primary systems which are responsible for the creation of illness, healing, repair and housekeeping activities of our body.

The Simonton's Work

While there are now literally thousands of studies and case histories regarding PNI that could be presented at this point, none is as dramatic as is the work of Dr. O. Carl Simonton and his wife Stephanie Matthews-Simonton.

While working with cancer patients who were considered to be incurable and terminal, the Simonton's started a program which educated them and helped them reduce their fears and stress about cancer. They instructed these patients that cancer is really a weak and malleable process, and not the strong overwhelming process that the medical profession and the general public usually think it to be.

They taught them a process of positive visual imagery in which they "saw" their immune system attacking and destroying cancer cells. This activated their immune systems and caused the natural defense of the body which had apparently been "turned off" or "impaired"to be reactivated and attack and destroy their cancer cells.

The Simonton's presented their patients with a new model for recovery and winning over their cancer. Using this new model many were successful in overcoming their cancers and other health problems.

Three important breakthroughs occurred:

Patients who were previously told that they were incurable, by using the Simonton program were able to stimulate their immune systems to reverse their cancer and in many cases eliminate them entirely.

We now better recognize the role of beliefs, thoughts and emotions especially negative thinking, resentment, anger and rage in causing cancer and how resolving conflict or changing it to a positive, can promote reversal of illness and healing.

We have established that the body's defense mechanisms can be activated and that white blood cells, lymphocytes, killer cells and other messenger factors associated with the healing response can be stimulated to act against cancer and other illnesses.

Why Is this So Important?

While PNI has not been entirely proven, it is clear that what is known is merely the tip of the proverbial iceberg. This research and the way that it is changing medicine is important to all of us.Fritjov Capra in his book The Turning Point suggested that we are now in process of changing from the presently accepted paradigm, which we refer to generally as Modern Western Medicine,to a new paradigm. This new paradigm, while yet without a name, is fueled by movement away from the concepts involved with the Cartesian-Newtonian construct that underlies present medical thought. The new paradigm is based on the present new understanding of the universe laid down by Albert Einstein, Werner Heisenberg, Nils Bohr, David Bohm and many others.

It is based in Systems Theory which suggests that everything is interconnected, and that there is an interrelatedness and interdependence of all phenomena. While the Newtonian-Cartesian paradigm suggests that to understand something we had to break it into its component pieces and separate them one from the other, the new paradigm tells us that Systems, such as the human body a reintegrated wholes whose properties cannot be reduced to smaller units. While we can look at each component separately, we cannot in reality separate one from the other. They are dependant upon each other and their interrelatedness is integral to their ability to function appropriately. It emphasizes basic principals of organization. Hence, we are in a sense one and the same as our environment and we respond to it based not only on how we work, but also on how it works.

This is entirely consistent with the evolving concepts of PNI as well as with the way we now seethe endocrine, stress and immune systems operating.

We are now seeing a major directional shift in the way the general public is thinking and how they feel about the old paradigm. There is now an increasing interest in Holistic concepts, a conspicuous increase in interest in Alternative medicine and a movement away from drugs and surgery. There is a resurgence of interest in Eastern and ancient healing practices, such as shamanism, native American healing, Huna and almost anything that is not related to modern or establishment medicine.

Truthfully, there is no more thing called Establishment medicine. Physicians are now integrating concepts of acupuncture, biofeedback, nutrition, prayer work, religion, spirituality and magnetics into their medical practices. Not always because they totally believe in it, often because economic pressures are pushing them toward this new paradigm.

Many practitioners are becoming involved in new paradigm type processes for other reasons.

Some because it something new to explore.

Others because it is a new way of looking at what they are doing professionally.

Some because their patients want answers to questions that are not answerable by the older establishment medical model.

Some become involved in the process of supporting the growing movement toward the patients' right to control his or her own destiny. Or because they believe that the patient must be actively involved in their own process of healing and recovery.

It is also an opportunity to add a valuable new dimension to their diagnostic, intuitional and treating skills or to how they practice our art.

Possibly as has happened with me, a recognition that what I was doing was not working. That simply treating patients with medications and surgery, and ultimately ignoring their need to be whole and fully actuated, was not enough. That wellness and healing could be accomplished using other modalities, which were less dangerous and even more effective.

Lastly, because many have found that these methods can ultimately mean providing better and more productive care for their patients.

New Federal Guidelines For Prevention Of Heart Attack

New Federal Guidelines For
Prevention Of Heart Attack

"Each year more than 300,000 persons a year could be prevented from having heart attacks." This was the statement of a special Federal Advisory Committee chaired by Dr. Dewitt S. Goodman, Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center in New York in October, 1987. The committee was empaneled to evaluate ways of decreasing heart attacks among Americans. It ultimately presented a set of guidelines which are designed to guide physicians in their approach to heart attack prevention. Dr. Goodman further stated, "medical practice is going to undergo a major change as a result of this report it will have a large impact on coronary heart disease and the public health."

The report stated that some 25% of all Americans between the ages of 20 and 74 have elevated blood cholesterol, this is roughly about one out of every four adults. This translates into 40 million men and women who are at increased risk each year for coronary heart disease. These people must be identified as they need evaluation and treatment to protect them and reduce their chances of death from a heart attack.

Each year approximately 1.5 million Americans suffer heart attacks. This results in 500,000 deaths according to the Federal government's National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The panel, convened by this Institute, suggested that dietary treatment should be the cornerstone of any program to reduce blood cholesterol levels. They further suggested that other risks such as: obesity, cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, being male or having a family history of premature heart disease, should be taken into consideration when determining degree of risk and treatment.

The following standard was established for all persons 20 or older. Blood cholesterol levels greater then 240 mg/dl should be considered as High Blood Cholesterol. Blood cholesterol with levels between 200 and 239 will be considered as Borderline High Blood Cholesterol. Levels below 200 were classified as Desirable Blood Cholesterol.

The panel suggested that anyone with borderline blood cholesterol be treated with diet and tested yearly. Those with high blood cholesterol levels are placed on a dietary treatment program including a cardiovascular exercise program and followed closely. Persons with desirable blood cholesterol levels who have no family history of heart disease are nonsmokers and otherwise of low risk should be followed once every five years. Those in between with desirable blood cholesterol levels but do have a family history of heart disease should be followed every two years.

Your cholesterol result is based on the total amount of several different types of cholesterol which together make up Total Blood Cholesterol. The two most important of the cholesterols are HDL cholesterol orHigh-Density Lipoproteins, the so-called, "good cholesterol" and the LDL cholesterol or Low-Density Lipoproteins, the "bad cholesterol."

The reason for the "good Vs bad" labels are based on the roles these two components of cholesterol play in heart disease. LDL cholesterol has been implicated in the development of heart disease while HDL cholesterol is considered as a preventor of heart disease.

When blood cholesterol levels are taken, we get a result which represents the total amount of HDL and LDL cholesterols. We can also determine the proportion of either LDL or HDL in the total cholesterol which has been found. Studies have shown doctors that as the amount of the LDL fraction raises the risk of coronary heart disease also rises. Concurrently, as the HDL fraction rises the risk of coronary heart disease decreases. LDL cholesterol reaches to levels between 139 and 159 they are classified as "borderline high-risk LDL cholesterols," when LDL levels are greater than 160, the individual has reached a stage of "high-risk LDL cholesterol."

The report suggests that those individuals with elevated cholesterol and especially elevated LDL fraction of cholesterol with two or more other risk factors or indication of heart disease require intensive medical intervention. The committee has suggested that those individuals with elevated cholesterol, elevated LDL cholesterol, or two or more risk factors should be watched carefully and be placed on a dietary therapy program.

The HDL cholesterol is important as well. The higher the HDL fraction, the lower the LDL fraction. A primary goal of prevention of heart attack is directed at actively causing the HDL cholesterol fraction to rise. To do this diet is important but exercise is equally and possibly more important.

The program for heart disease prevention should be individualized and based on a multitude of factors: how high the cholesterol, the levels of the LDL and HDL cholesterol fractions, body weight (need for weight loss), blood pressure, whether a smoker or not, family history, the individual's medical history, life style, alcohol use and exercise pattern. Each of these factors is taken into consideration along with the results of a good physical examination, diagnostic testing and specific laboratory testing of blood and urine.

The physical examination includes a complete medical history, family history, evaluation of the heart and lungs, as well as all major organs (we also evaluate for cancer at the same time.) The laboratory tests include, blood cholesterol, HDL and LDL fractions, electrolytes, liver testing, thyroid testing, blood count, and other indicated tests. Diagnostic testing generally includes Electrocardiogram, Chest X-ray, Respiratory Function Testing (spirometry) and body fat analysis (testing body fat percentage, determining, calorie requirements for ideal body weight, exercise requirements or weight reduction and ideal heart health). A state-of-the-art wellness evaluation program can be administered to round of this unique concept in health care.

A top program for heart attack prevention generally includes a diet that is not only low in cholesterol but one that reduces the body's ability to make cholesterol on its own. For best results this should be coupled with a heart strengthening exercise program (aerobic exercises), eliminating smoking, a weight reduction program and techniques for stress reduction.

The dietary program is created after evaluation of the individuals present diet, likes, dislikes and food preferences. After the diagnostic and laboratory testing is reviewed an individualized dietary program can created especially for you.

An exercise program is created in a like manner by determining present exercise levels, their patients' likes as well as their dislikes, finally a series of progressive stretching and heart strengthening exercises. The heart attack prevention dietary/exercise program must ultimately be based on the findings of the medical/nutritional evaluation. This type of program provides the latest in preventive health and wellness management all aimed at directly reducing your risk factors as much as possible and hence greatly reducing your chance of having a heart attack.

If your cholesterol is elevated, or you have no idea how high it is, but desire to reduce your risk of heart attack, make an appointment with your physician for a complete evaluation. Since most physicians do not work with diet and nutrition let us know and we can provide you with a proven heart attack prevention diet and exercise program.

Protecting Native Hawaiians

Protecting the Health and Well-Being of Native Hawaiians

Native Hawaiians are one of the most endangered peoples on our planet. Ever since Westerners came to Hawaii in the 18th century. The first Westerners and those that followed brought with them many of the diseases of civilization. Conditions such as upper respiratory infections, influenza, tuberculosis, leprosy, crime, alcoholism, tobacco, drug addiction, depression and disillusionment have undermined the native Hawaiian population and the numbers of native Hawaiians has been steadily decreasing at least until recently.

This process was also accelerated through intermarriage and implementation of the Western processed food diet. These factors have visited upon Native Hawaiians diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and many other health problems which did not exist either in Hawaii or Polynesia prior to the coming of the Westerners.

Today a series of health agencies are trying to reverse the trend of premature death, illness and disability that have plagued the native Hawaiians.

In the Summary graphic below, we have looked at the primary factors such as the types of illnesses (in the column on the far left), the mechanism through which the Hawaiian health systems are working to protect and reverse these illnesses (column on the far right). At the top of the illustration are the positive factors which act to either reduce health problems or prevent them in the future, while at the bottom, in two columns, are the Personal and External (Non-Personal) Barriers that tend to undermine healing and prevention.

The native Hawaiians generally refer to themselves as the Kanaka Maoli, the true people. They further divide themselves into two groups, the Piha Kanaka Maoli or the full-blooded Hawaiians, and the Hapa Kanaka Maoli, those Hawaiians that are not full-blooded Hawaiians. Generally, the term Hapa Hawaiians, refers to those Hawaiians who have mixed ancestry, most commonly those with Caucasian ancestry.

Summary Hawaiian Health Care System

Summary of the Organization of the Native
Hawaiian Health Care System

With congressional passage of the Native Hawaiian Health Act of 1988 and subsequently by the Native Hawaiian Improvement Act of 1992 there was a mandate to establish a heath care service program for the Hawaiian people.

Papa Ola Lokahi

An organization of Hawaiian and Native Hawaiian organizations involved in providing health care services for the purpose of planning or administering programs or portions of programs for the benefit of the Native Hawaiian people. It is an umbrella organization for Native Hawaiian Health Care programs.

It provides technical resources, training, acts as a clearing house of information and data regarding health issues and studies related to the Hawaiian people.

Five Health organizations were created

1) Hui No Keola Pono - on Maui

2) Ke Ola Mamo - on Oahu

3) Hoola Lahui - on Kaua'i

4) Na Puu'wai - on Lana'i and Moloka'i

5) Hui Malama Ola'Oiwi - on The Big Island - Hawaii

Each is a 5013C Non profit corporation overseeing health care services for native Hawaiians on each of these islands

Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship Program

This program operates under the U.S. Public Health Service

Its purpose is to identify Native Hawaiians interested in careers in the health field and providing financial support.

The student then must work within the Hawaiian Health Care System or repay monies given as a loan.

The major granting organization is generally US Department of Health and Human Services and the Bureau of Primary Health Care.

Structure of Hawaiian Healing

The Structure of Hawaiian Healing

The role of healing in modern Hawaii is different from, that of ancient Hawaii. With the coming of the missionaries in the 18th Century and the 19th Century. Traditional ancient Hawaiian healing was banned. The many of the missionaries considered Hawaiian healing to be a heathen practice. It was considering it to be somewhere between black magic and witchcraft. With the banning of traditional healing Hawaiians soon were forced to accept modern Western medicine. This bought both blessings and tragedies.

Today Hawaii healing is transition. The weaknesses of Western medicine, the movement to alternative medicine and an increased interest in returning to more traditional ways. There are several movements a foot. They include the surfacing of traditional native Hawaiian healers who practice their own personal huna, there are haole (Westerner, white people)healers who practice alternative medicine based on traditional Hawaiian medicine and of course, the Eastern and Western medical establishment.

The native Hawaiian healers range from individuals who were brought up in their family huna, all the way to native Hawaiians who are practicing alternative medicine, using their own version of traditional medical techniques. Many non-Hawaiian healers now practice using a variety of alternative medical techniques. This includes Huna, alternative medicine (Naturopathy, Chiropractic, nutrition), Eastern medicine (Chinese, Japanese, Korean healing techniques) and finally, standard Western medicine.

The native Hawaiian Health coalitions have not taken sides. In fact, their role has been to encourage native Hawaiian healers while also encouraging cooperation with the Western medical system, and alternative and Eastern healing disciplines.

One organization, Ke Ola Mamo, responsible for the health and well-being of native Hawaiian's on Oahu has set forth a framework for a culturally relevant health system. This framework encompases the basics concepts from which healing is derived.

Values such as 'ohna, lokahi, pono and 'onipa'a are central to this framework and the basics of healing. Encompassing these priciples and equally important are the concepts of 'oia'l'o, lokmaika'i, laulima, nana/ho'oiohe, pa'akawaha, ho'omana'o, imi'ike/a'o, ha'aha'a, and malama. These are not simply concepts but rather much like the Ten Commandments they are standards by which living life leads to strength and healing, health and wellness.

In the following articles we will look at a number of the concepts central to healing and wellness in Hawaiian traditions.

The Basics of Ho'oponopono

The Basics of Ho'oponopono

Ho'oponopono is a method of restoring harmony within a group or an extended family.

The word ho'oponopono literally means "setting right...to restore and maintain good relationships among family, and family and supernatural powers."

The metaphor of a tangled net has been used to illustrate how problems within a family affect not only persons directly involved, but also other family members. The family is a complex net of relationships, and any disturbance in one part of the net will pull on other parts. This metaphor re-enforces the old Hawaiian philosophy of the interrelatedness of things.

Ho'oponopono is a process of problem solving. The process of ho'oponopono generally includes the following:

Prayer

A statement of the problem

Discussion of the problems

Confession of wrongdoing when applicable

Restitution when necessary

Forgiveness

Release.

I. The Opening Phase

The ho'oponopono begins with a prayer or pule in Hawaiian. The prayer is asked to ask our 'aumakua (personal God or Universal deity) for assistance and blessing in finding, discussing and solving the problems at hand.

The appeal to the aumakua not only asks the aumakua or Higher Self for help but also heightens and often strengthens the individual's personal emotional commitment to solving their own problems and helping others in the family to solve the problems at hand.

Prayer lays the foundation for sincerity and truthfulness, which are necessary ingredients for making the process successful and obtaining good results for all involved.

The Statement of the Problems

In order to solve a problem one must first determine what the problem is, define it and get to understand it. This is essential for problem solving and it is also essential to the success of ho'oponopono. In ho'oponopono this process is divided into several stages. These stages are the kula kumuhana or period of identification of the problem and the Hala.
Kkula Kumuhana

This term has a number of different meanings in relations to ho'oponopono. Beside the period of identification of the problem it also represents the pooling of the strengths for a shared purpose, such as solving the problem. Implicit then within this concept and what it represents is recognizing the problem or problems and joining together within the ho'oponopono to define it, understand what actually happened, the motivations and forces that caused it and then solving it working together for this purpose and, importantly, for no other ulterior motives.

It has an additional meaning as it refers to the role of the leader in reaching out to a person who is resisting the ho'oponopono process to enable that person to participate fully. Hence, the understanding that the leader is charged with making sure that everyone does work together to create an amicable solution.

Hala

The fruit of the kula kumuhana, the period of identification, is to find the problem as it affects everyone in the group. This begins with stating the transgression the hurt or wrong that has been done, the crime or offense. One of the most powerful features of Hawaiian healing is the concept of the One Sin Rule. That is no transgression or injury has occurred unless an individual intentionally set out to hurt another. However, one can unintentionally hurt or cause a problem.

When intentional hurt has occurred this is a sense is seen as a major transgression which requires a series of responses beyond a simple apology. It may include cleansing, restitution and occasionally even retribution

Hala implies that the perpetrator (the person creating the problem or causing the wrong) and the person wronged (the victim) are bound together in a relationship of negative entanglement called hihia.

This web of negative entanglement is dynamic and tends to have many forms and shapes. It suggests that after the initial hurt or wrong has been done there are a series of events and circumstances that lead to new problems, deepening of the hurt or wound, increased misunderstanding, guilt, fear, anger, shame and need for revenge. In the Hawaiian way of thinking it creates a complex knot of difficulties that can escalate the problem and may even take on a new life of its own.

The role of the leader is to pick one of these problems and work with the group until the knot is loosened and begins to unravel. Once one aspect is unraveled then the process begins to uncover and resolve the other layers of the problem one at a time until the family or group is once again free and clear and the problem is resolved and all are free. I refer to this process as peeling the onion. With each succeeding layer the onion (problem) becomes smaller until at some point there is nothing left, the crying is finished and all can join in and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

II. The Discussion Phase

The discussion period is where the conflict is worked out. Here is where the layers of the problem are peeled away. This is possibly the most structured aspect of ho'oponopono. It requires structure for it can erupt at any time into a torrent of opinion, anger, rage or hostility.

During the mahiki it is the job of the leader (haku) to keep the people from directly confronting one another. When direct confrontation occurs to commonly leads to emotional outbursts and misunderstandings. Traditionally Hawaiians believed that emotional outbursts or personally directed expression of emotions discouraged the problem solving effort. Hence, expression of emotion directly to another other than positive emotions is discouraged and it is the job of the haku to make sure that the problem solving function is not undermined.

On the other hand, it is important that each person involved, directly or indirectly, shares their feelings and gets them out in the open. The process used is to direct the comments toward self-scrutiny. The individual is directed in such a way that they look openly and honestly at their own feelings (mana'o), how the events affected them, they can examine and probe themselves and what effect the event had on them both positively and negatively. Essential to the process, however, is to avoid accusations, blame or recriminations.

If tempers do get out of control or the discussion is turning negative the haku may declare a ho'omalu a cooling off period, a period of silence and self-control. This purpose of the ho'omalu is to give time and space to allow the members of the ho'oponopono to reflect on the purpose of the process and to bring their aroused emotions under control.

III. The Resolution Phase

As the discussion unfolds soon everything that needs to be said is said, the problem is exposed, the web of events is unwrapped and laid open. Everyone can see the effects of the wrong, each person has explored their feelings and to some degree their emotions and now it is time to begin the directed steps of resolving all of the issues at hand. In this stage each person has the opportunity to confess or apologize (mihi) for their role in the wrong doing and to give and receive forgiveness. This must be genuine and binding for the results to hold up and the problem to be complete and experienced out completely by all involved.

It is expected that forgiveness is given whenever and by whoever asks for it. If the wrongdoer asks forgiveness from the person wronged, it is expected that forgiveness will be given and meant. To insure this, a system of restitution was built into the process. It is at this point that the terms and conditions are negotiated and agreed upon. If agreement cannot be reached then the process of the ho'oponopono is restarted with the inability to reach agreement and the issues that separate the parties as the new problems to be solved.

This confession and the acceptance of the apology begins the process of cleansing (kala) that is necessary to heal all of the parties involved. The knot is untangling and loosening and with kala it is being entirely undone. Both the person who has confessed and the person who has forgiven are expected to mutually release (another meaning of kala) each other. Kala means that the conflict and hurts have been released and are cut off (oki) and complete. The knot is unraveled and the net is untangled all parties are once again free to function normally and healthfully.

IV. Closing Phase

The work of the ho'oponopono has been done. The process is complete. The problem resolved, the integrity of the family or group is reestablished and harmony and balance are reestablished. All that is left is to close the process with a ritual that insures lasting peace and harmony. This is the pani ritual.

The form of the pani is decided upon by the haku. He or she can simply call a closing of the meeting and dismiss everyone. Often the haku may choose to present a summary and summation of what took place. In most cases there is certainly a ceremony of reaffirmation of the strengths of the family or group and a pronouncement of their enduring bonds.

If other layers of the problem need to be worked out the pani is postponed. If the problem or problems have been successfully worked out this is declared and closed forever, never to be brought up again by anyone.

The closing pule, the pule ho'opau is then performed. The ceremony is officially closed and the group traditionally shares in a snack or a meal (breaking bread together). Usually the foods eaten is prepared by all of the members of the group.

Summary

The ho'oponopono is a highly structured process with four distinct phases:

1. The opening phase which includes a prayer and a statement of the problem or problems.

2. The discussion phase during which all of the participants share their thoughts and feelings in a calm manner listening to each other as they speak.

3. A resolution phase that allows exchange of confession, forgiveness and release.

4. A closing phase which allows a summation of what has happened and an ability to give spiritual and emotional closure to the process and individual thanks for participation.

Mihi - Remorse; repentance; apologize; be sorry; contrite; to regret; confess; break off from an evil (sinful) course of life. To express feelings of sadness or grief in the countenance; to have regret for past conduct.

Oki - To cut; to sever; separate; annul; cancel; to end or finish any talk or business; to put an end to.

Pani - To close up an opening; to substitute something; fill a breach; agreement; to put one thing in the place of another.

Perspective on Hawaiian Health

Perspective on Hawaiian Health

The issue of health care for Native Hawaiians is complex. In a sense there is no true native Hawaiian, but rather individuals of Native Hawaiian ancestry. For more than a thousand years Native Hawaiians were among the healthiest people in the world. Living in a paradise where food was abundant, weather was mild and diet, lifestyle, stress and social order were all more or less conducive to physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.

At some point all of this changed. Invaders entered and divided and conquered. The result was a breakdown in order, culture, healthy lifestyles, diet and finally, the combined physical mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

After more than thirty years in the practice of medicine it has become clear that the greatest majority of what we think of as illness comes from three main causes. Dietary deficiencies and excesses, stress and toxic chemicals. The lifestyle we chose either brings us toward illness or takes us away from illness. It determines what we eat, the amount of stress in our life and our degree of exposure to toxic chemicals. All of these factors are greatly influenced by our self-image, who and what we see our self being.

For example, and individual who at some level feels hopeless (whether this is caused by what he thinks, the conditions he was born into or the conditions he has created in his life or lack of opportunity) will more than likely eat foods that are less than healthy, he will experience greater stress in his life and he will be more likely to expose himself to toxic substances including smoking cigarettes, increased alcohol consumption or possibly drug use.

Consequently, if he has a genetic tendency toward diabetes or heart disease, his less than healthy diet will likely crystalize the situation and his diabetes will manifest itself. Because of underlying negative attitudes and beliefs systems, he may make poor choices. He may choose not to perfect his diet, not to exercise regularly, not to solve problems completely and possibly not to be consistent in his Western medical or native Hawaiian healing programs.

Western medicine is a system based on dispassionate science. It can be thought of as an Interventive Medical System. That is, one first has to get sick before they go to their physician for medical treatment. It is based on process which treat the individual after he is already sick. Often after he has already been sick for many years. Since Western Interventive medicine is not designed to deal with the causes of illness, but rather the secondary affects of these causes, few people are really healed. In fact, clearly the concepts of "cure," "healing" and "prevention" are almost entirely nonexistent in Western Medicine. When used are usually applied to "curing an infection" "healing a wound" or "instruction on diet or prophylactic antibiotics."

Hawaiian medicine, on the other hand, is at its root a true mind, body, spirit healing system. In ancient times it was implicit in the community and was directed as much at nourishing the understanding of the people as it was in subtly controlling their diet, mental, emotional and spiritual beliefs and lifestyle.

Concepts such as pono (setting right), lokai (balance and unity-harmony), 'ola'l'o (sincerity, and truthfulness), imi'ike and a'o (seeking after knowledge, learning) clearly set Hawaiian Native healing systems and healers way ahead of Western medicine. The concept that intangible and nonquantifiable, non scientifically reproducible ideas and constructs as forgiveness, humility, working together, sharing, caring for each other, can heal the body, the mind and the spirit are not yet part of Western Interventive medicine.

We can think of the Native Hawaiian Traditional Healing system as an Integrated Health Care System. It integrates wellness into lifestyle and it integrates mind, body and spirit into wellness. It deals with prevention as an underlying basic fundamental integral part of working with people and the community. An excellent example of this is ho'oponopono which brings together all parties involved in a conflict. The process looks at the causes and the underlying problems which precipitated the "condition" and then creates a solution that works for all. The process does this by using intangible, nonscientific methods such as understanding the reason things happen, their effect on all involved, forgiveness, restitution, cleansing of guilt and sin, rehabilitation. Those that used ho'oponopono clearly understood that there can be no healing if the cause is not found and caring solution is not created.

Modern Hawaiians' face a number of health problems their ancestors never had to deal with. These health problems are not caused by their poor genetics, nor by their inferior tissues for their great-grandparents were healthy and experienced health and longevity.

Their present day illnesses are caused by what they eat, that is, eating Western processed, denatured foods, nutrient deficient foods. Foods which are high in refined sugars, fats, cholesterol, salt as well as toxic chemicals and additives and low in essential nutrients and fiber. They are caused by stress (the difference between the way we want or life (and the day to day events of our life) to be and the way they really are. They are caused by smoking, alcohol, air pollution, pollution of the water and what whole foods they do eat.

They are caused by lack of information, confusion, guilt, fear, frustration and loss of roots with tradition and the best aspects of the past.

To change this requires a multi prong approach. Fortunately, because of the insight of those who have come before us much of the ground work has already been laid. Programs are in place, systems are operable whether optimally or not and yet there is much work to do.

What Is Needed to Accomplish the Goal of a Healthy Hawaiian People?

To ensure a strong and health native Hawaiian people, the individuals, their families and the communities must become involved. Healthy lifestyles and accessibility to integrated health care must be available.

To improve the health conditions of Native Hawaiians there must be an assurance of primary Interventive health care for those who are presently chronically ill or suddenly suffer from an acute life-threatening illness. There must be a process of education not simply directed at early intervention but directly at preventing the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual causes of illness, the role of diet, cleanliness and hygiene, how to avoid exposure to toxic chemicals in food, water and air. This program must be directed at parenting skills and the problems of the young Hawaiian children, boys and girls, to deal with unwanted, pregnancy, early pregnancy, prenatal care and embracing the positive cultural wisdom of traditional Hawaiian values.

Concepts such as "health promotion" and "disease prevention" must be understood not wholly as a function of the Interventive Health Care construct, but in a new context which embraces and encompasses Native Hawaiian Healing Traditions and values.

While accessibility and availability of health care is of vital importance, belief in, trust and acceptance are also important. Those Native Hawaiians who come to believe that Western medicine is best should be respected. Those who would rather work with Native Hawaiian Traditional healers la'au lapa'au, lomi lomi, spiritual healers or even alternative medicine naturopathy, chiropractic, energetics should also have their wishes respected.

Ultimately crucial to the health and well-being of the Hawaiian people is not which practitioner they see or chose to use, but that the practitioners are all dedicated to helping them to overcome existing illness and prevention of future illness.

While proper identification of health problems, case management, outreach, enrollment are essential, cooperation and coordination of efforts between traditional Native Hawaiian healers and the Western medical system and alternative practitioners is even more essential. Recognizing illness and getting the sick person to a care system is only the first step. The individual must not only get the very best care available but the health care system must work as a team dedicated to the sick or injured persons overall well-being. It is not unusual today to find a person seeing several practitioners (medical, traditional and alternative) and yet there is no coordination between the practitioners, they may not even know that other practitioners are involved, treatment programs may be in conflict, different diagnoses are made, and not infrequently medications, herbs or other treatments are in direct conflict undoing the benefits of the other and even poisoning or undermining the well-being and longevity of the patient.

A system which considers physical, mental emotional and spiritual causes of illness must ultimately be set in place so that proper assessment, intake and recognition of the factors involved in creation of illness can be identified. Without this there can really be no true promotion of health and well-being.

Relevant to all of this are the many social, financial and cultural needs and factors of the individual Hawaiian person, his or her support systems and the willingness of the community to support and help those that cannot fully help themselves (laulima, lokomaika'i, malama, ho'omana'o.)

Three Main Goals

Earliest identification and treatment of acute and chronically ill Native Hawaiians through the most acceptable and culturally responsive methods possible.

Identification of groups and individuals at risk for health problems in the near future and the development of resources to prevent and intervene at the earliest possible point.

Long range programs to solve problems that can potentially lead to illness and disease through education and environmental solutions.

Three Main Problems

Lack of understanding by the Western Interventive medical system of the specific problems and solutions necessary to maintain and support the culture and traditions of the Hawaiian people.

Too few Native Hawaiian healers and lack of adequately trained support people.

Inadequate coordination and structure for Western physicians and alternative practitioners to meet, understand and work together with Native Hawaiian healers for the overall good of the Hawaiian people. No referral system between the two groups. Lack of understanding of the roles, needs and values of the other.

The Piha Kanaka Maoli and the very young suffer the most. The Hapa Kanaka Maoli are next and all other races in Hawaii have lower rates of virtually all illnesses.

This suggests that the Piha and Hapa Kanaka Maoli are eating the worst diet, have the most stress, and are subjected to the most effects of toxic chemicals.

The Hawaiian people in a sense are the most vulnerable for they have lost their traditions, lost attachment to their natural diet, lost their attachment to the land, the physicalness of their life, many rights and powers in their own lands. Because of all of these factors (and others not mentioned) they are more depressed, and more susceptible to illness.

To reverse these negative influences the health care system must work hand in hand with rebirthing the traditional culture, giving clear alternatives, creating hope and opportunity for each and every Native Hawaiian whether living in Hawaii or not.

The Solutions

In the above perspective I have very briefly laid out what I believe are the main elements of the health problems of the modern Native Hawaiian male and female. What their children will have to face and what I believe are the main causes of these health problems.

The solution lies not in getting grants, not in enrolling people into programs, not in statistics nor in supporting one group or another, Western Physicians or Native Traditional Healers, but rather creating a process of clear thinking, partnerships, associations, networking that bring an integrated program of health care services, prevention, problem identification, and community involvement to the Native Hawaiian people.

The role of the Executive Director of Hui No Keola Pono could be to assemble a team of the very best available people on Maui and in all of Hawaii. Then to join together with the Native Hawaiian Health Care resource organizations, Papa Ola Lokahi and the four other island-based organizations Ke Ola Mamo on Oahu, Na Puu Wai on Moloka'i and Lana'i, Hoola Lahui on Kaua'i and Hui Malama Ola Na Oiwi on the Big Island. Identify young Native Hawaiians who are interested in careers in the health field and help them to obtain scholarships from the Native Hawaiian Health Scholarship program.

The intention of this is to network and share information and resources, programs and learn from each other and from each others experiences. With one goal, to help the Hawaiian people, reduce suffering, eliminate illness and increase longevity. This is a Hawaiian goal, one which requires the support the greater community of Hawaiian people (native and non-native) to maximize results.

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